Jammu & Kashmir, August 23, 2026: Jammu & Kashmir has another reason to celebrate as Shreya Gupta and Vishal Thapar have earned selection to the Indian squad for the Asian Fencing Championships 2026.
Both fencers secured second-place finishes in their respective sabre categories at the Final Selection Trials held at NIS Patiala, securing their places in the national squad.
Shreya Gupta finished runner-up in Women’s Sabre, while Vishal Thapar claimed second place in Men’s Sabre. Their performances at the selection trials reflect the growing presence of J&K athletes on the national fencing scene and highlight their determination to compete at the highest level.
The Asian Fencing Championships 2026 are particularly significant as India is hosting the continental championship for the first time. The prestigious event is scheduled to be held in New Delhi from June 19 to 24, bringing together leading fencers from across Asia.
The championship will also have added importance for athletes targeting the Asian Games, with a top-eight finish carrying qualification significance. For Shreya and Vishal, their selection therefore provides an important opportunity to compete against some of the strongest fencers on the continent and further strengthen their international credentials.
Their achievement is also a proud moment for the sporting fraternity of Jammu & Kashmir. Selection for the national squad after finishing among the top performers at the final trials demonstrates the level of preparation and competitive spirit required to break into India’s elite fencing setup.
The success of the two fencers is expected to inspire more young athletes from the Union Territory to take up fencing and pursue competitive sport. Their journey also underlines the importance of consistent training, discipline and strong performances at national-level competitions.
With the Asian Fencing Championships ahead, expectations will be high from both athletes as they prepare to represent India on home soil. Competing in front of a home crowd will provide them with an opportunity to showcase their skills while carrying the aspirations of their state and country.
The selection of Shreya Gupta and Vishal Thapar is more than an individual achievement; it is a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir and another encouraging development for fencing in the region.
As the two athletes begin preparations for the continental championship, the sporting community of J&K will be hoping to see them deliver strong performances and continue their journey towards greater national and international success.
Jammu & Kashmir stands proudly with both athletes and wishes them the very best for the Asian Fencing Championships 2026.
