Three J&K Fencers qualify for Asian Games 2026 Core Group trials

Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 15: Out of 13 fencers from Jammu and Kashmir who participated in the Core Group Selection trials for the Asian Games 2026, only three have secured their place in the initial core group. The successful fencers are Shreya Gupta, Vishal Thapar and Ajay Kumar.
The trials were held at SAI NCOE Patiala (Epee), Army Sports Institute Pune (Sabre) and SAI NCOE Aurangabad (Foil), featuring top athletes from across India.
Shreya Gupta displayed remarkable resilience, securing 5th place in Women’s Sabre despite sustaining an injury during pool matches. Vishal Thapar earned 2nd place in Men’s Sabre, while Ajay Kumar claimed the 11th spot in Men’s Epee. Only the top 12 fencers from each category advance to the initial core group. Final selections will be made after the upcoming Senior National Fencing Championship.