New Delhi, June 25: Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has expressed confidence that India will win its first-ever fencing medal at the upcoming Asian Games, citing the steady progress of Indian fencers and the growing popularity of the sport.
Speaking after the closing ceremony of the Asian Fencing Championship 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Rijiju described India’s successful hosting of the continental event as a significant milestone. He praised the performances of Indian athletes, noting that several fencers narrowly missed victories by just a few points while displaying a high standard of competition.
Rijiju, who previously served as the Union Sports Minister, said he had always prioritised the development of fencing and was pleased to see the sport making remarkable progress. He said greater awareness among young people and access to world-class training would help India emerge as a strong fencing nation. Expressing optimism about the future, he said India is well placed to win a historic fencing medal at the next Asian Games and that a few Indian fencers also have a realistic chance of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. He also praised Bharat Mandapam as a world-class venue and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for creating such modern sporting infrastructure.
