Pakistan To Skip Asian Senior Fencing Championships In India

Pakistan won’t be part of the Asian Senior Fencing Championships 2026 set to be held in New Delhi from June 19, despite receiving an invitation from the local organisers to participate in the continental event. India are hosting the championships for the first time.

The event, scheduled at Bharat Mandapam, will feature fencers from more than 30 countries across Asia and Oceania. Nearly 100 delegates and technical officials will oversee the competition.

“We sent an invite to Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan, to participate in the championships but they chose not to send their fencers. The deadline for sending entries is long over and we are now in the process of procuring visas for the athletes and officials,” the Fencing Association of India (FAI)

Secretary General Rajeev Mehta told nws agency PTI.

Last month, the Sports Ministry reiterated that the blanket ban on bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, imposed last year, would remain in force. However, athletes from across the border would not be prevented from travelling to India for multilateral events.

Despite that assurance, Pakistan chose not to submit entries for its fencers.

The General Assembly of the Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA) will also be held in India ahead of the championships, marking the first time the continental body’s top leadership will meet in the country.

The International Fencing Federation (FIE) interim president Abdelmoneim El Husseiny is also expected to attend the General Assembly.

Meanwhile, Mehta said athletes and delegates from a few participating nations have been facing visa-related challenges. However, later in the day, visas for more than 200 athletes and officials were cleared.

“Preparations for the championship are progressing smoothly, with coordination being undertaken alongside international and national authorities to ensure world-class event management and athlete experience,” said Mehta, who is also Secretary-General of the Fencing Confederation of Asia.

“However, a few participating nations are currently facing visa-related challenges. The delegations and officials from Hong Kong are experiencing difficulties in securing timely visa appointments due to limited appointment slot availability at the visa application centre.

“Additionally, the Australian delegation has also encountered visa-related issues following rejections of certain visa applications, and necessary coordination efforts are underway with the concerned authorities to facilitate their participation in the championship.”

He said the championships are expected to play a key role in promoting fencing in India, inspiring young athletes and strengthening the country’s position as an emerging destination for international sporting events.

“The Fencing Association of India extends its gratitude to all supporting authorities, stakeholders, and partners for their continued cooperation and support in making this championship a landmark event.”

With PTI Inputs