Jammu :The 20th J&K UT Fencing Championship 2025–26 concluded successfully at the Indoor Fencing stadium M.A. Stadium, Jammu, with District Jammu emerging as the overall champion in both Men’s and Women’s categories.
The three-day event, organized by the J&K Fencing Association (JKFA), affiliated with the Fencing Association of India (FAI), in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, saw participation from over 400 fencers from across 17 districts of the Union Territory including Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, Ramban, Doda, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Srinagar, Pulwama, Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora and Budgam.
The championship featured competitions in all three fencing disciplines of Épée, Foil, and Sabre across multiple age categories, including Under-10 (Mini), Under-12 (Child), Under-14 (Sub-Junior), Under-17 (Cadet), Under-20 (Junior) and Senior, providing a competitive platform for the athletes at different stages of development.
The event was marked by the participation of several international-level fencers, including Sufyan Waheed Sohil, Harshit Kohli, Ajay Kumar, Kritarthi Kotwal, Riya Bakshi, and Subhanaya Sharma, whose presence enhanced the competitive standards and inspired the young athletes.
Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports Department, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion, appreciated the efforts of the J&K Fencing Association in successfully organizing the championship on such a large scale. He emphasized the importance of sports in youth development and assured continued support for strengthening sports infrastructure and nurturing talent in the Union Territory.
Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, who was the Special Guest, highlighted that the championship witnessed participation from all 17 districts of J&K, reflecting the growing reach of fencing across the UT. She reiterated the commitment of the J&K Sports Council towards promoting sports at the grassroots level and ensuring equal opportunities for athletes.
Rajiv Sharma, Ex-Member, J&K Sports Council, was the Guest of Honour on the occasion.
Advocate Supriya Chouhan, Secretary General, J&K Fencing Association, in her welcome address, emphasized the importance of adopting sports as a way of life for the youth and highlighted the positive role of sports in personality development and combating social challenges.
International Referee Rashid Ahmed Choudhary, along with Maninder Pal Singh and Adarsh encouraged the athletes to continue striving for excellence.
The successful conduct of the championship highlights the growing sports culture in Jammu & Kashmir and the collective efforts of stakeholders in promoting fencing across the Union Territory.
