Fencing Association announces prize money for medalists as India chases Asian Games glory

The Fencing Association of India (FAI) has announced the prize money for India’s medal winners at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the gold medalists receiving Rs 10 crore.

The silver medalists will be awarded Rs 7.5 million, while the bronze medalists will receive Rs 5 million, FAI general secretary Rajeev Mehta said on Monday.

“Our fencers have worked extremely hard to represent India at the Asian Games. This prize money is a small recognition of their dedication and determination. We hope it will further motivate our athletes to compete with confidence, pride and determination and bring glory to the nation,” Mehta said.

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The announcement comes at a time when Indian fencers are gearing up for another opportunity to break new ground at the continental multi-sport event. India is yet to win a fencing medal in Asian Games history, so the upcoming campaign is another chance for the country to end that wait.

India’s fencing campaign at the Asian Games has seen some encouraging individual performances in recent editions. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Taniksha Khatri reached the quarter-finals of the women’s epee, while Bhavani Devi also advanced to the round of 16 in the women’s sabre. Khatri eventually finished seventh while Devi ended her campaign in fifth place.

INDIA STARTS FENCING CAMPAIGN ON WEDNESDAY

India will have two fencers in action in the men’s individual event and two in the women’s individual cords event. Sachin and Hemash Singh Sanasam will compete in the men’s wrestling event, while Mitva Chaudhari and Taniksha Khatri will feature in the women’s roping event.

The competition begins with pool stages before the successful fencers move on to the knockout bouts. The Round of 32 is on the program from 10 a.m., followed by the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and finals throughout the day.

The Indian fencing contingent will be hoping to build on the progress made in recent years. Bhavani Devi’s historic bronze at the 2023 Asian Fencing Championships, where she became the first Indian woman to win a senior medal at the Asian Championships, was another major milestone for the sport.

Cash incentives announced by the FAI add another layer of motivation as Indian fencers hunt for their first Asian Games medal. The awards will give the athletes additional reward for what would be a historic podium finish.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

21 Sep 2026 21:10 IST