Indian Women Epee Fencers Qualify for World Championships Main Draw

Taniksha Khatri and Prachi Lohan became the first Indian women to reach the main table of 64 in the senior World Fencing Championships. The duo qualified on Day 1 of the 2026 tournament in Hong Kong after advancing through round‑robin pool play and preliminary elimination rounds, securing spots in the direct‑elimination draw scheduled for July 25.

Their achievement marks a historic milestone for Indian fencing, as the 24‑member Indian squad (12 men, 12 women) made its debut on the global stage. While the women's epee fencers advanced, the men's foil team finished outside the main draw, with the best‑placed Indian fencer, Sachin, ranking 107th.

The qualification was praised by Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General of the Fencing Confederation of Asia and the Fencing Association of India, who called the result a "landmark moment" for the sport in India and an inspiration for future athletes.