Fencing Association of India unveils cash rewards for Asian Games medallists

The Fencing Association of India on Monday announced cash rewards for Indian medallists at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The federation said gold medallists will receive Rs 10 lakh, silver Rs 7.5 lakh and bronze Rs 5 lakh, FAI Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said. "Our fencers have worked extremely hard to represent India at the Asian Games. This cash prize is a small recognition of their dedication and commitment. We hope it will further motivate our athletes to compete with confidence, pride and determination and bring glory to the nation," Mehta said.

India are yet to win a fencing medal in Asian Games history, making the current campaign another opportunity to end that wait. At the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, Taniksha Khatri reached the quarter-finals of the women’s epee event. Bhavani Devi advanced to the last eight in women’s sabre at the same Games. Khatri eventually finished seventh, while Devi ended her campaign in fifth place.

The Indian entry list includes two fencers in the men’s foil individual event and two in the women’s epee individual competition. Sachin and Hemash Singh Sanasam will compete in the men’s foil. Mitva Chaudhari and Taniksha Khatri will feature in the women’s epee.

Competition in the fencing events begins with pool stages before successful athletes move into the knockout rounds. The Round of 32 is scheduled from 10 a.m. The Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals will follow later in the day.

Bhavani Devi’s bronze at the 2023 Asian Fencing Championships was the first senior Asian Championships medal by an Indian. That historic podium finish was described in coverage of the announcement as another significant milestone for the sport in India.

The cash incentives announced by the FAI add another layer of motivation as India’s fencers chase their first Asian Games medal. The rewards will give the athletes an added reward for what would be a historic podium finish.