Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: Three fencers from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have been chosen to represent India at the World Championship, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from April 12-20, 2024.
As per an official communication issued by the Fencing Association of India, three fencers from Jammu and Kashmir have been chosen to represent India in the Junior and Cadet Fencing World Championship, which is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
International fencer and Referee, Rashid Ahmed Choudhary, who is also Convener, Adhoc Committee, Fencing J&K said the selected fencers are Shreya Gupta, Sufiyan Waheed Sohil and Chavvi Sharma. They were selected for their outstanding performances in 2023-24 Cadet and Junior National Fencing competitions.
Sabre event fencer Shreya Gupta is a current junior national and senior national champion in individuals and is holding first rank in Junior and Senior categories. Upcoming Epee fencer Sufiyan Wahid is currently holding Seventh rank and is a junior team medallist and another Sabre event fencer, Chhavi Sharma is individual Bronze medallist in cadet nationals, the handout said.
Notably, Shreya Gupta and Sufiyan Waheed are Khelo India Athletes and are presently getting training under NCOE Vijay Bharti at Sanskardham Gujarat and NCOE Patiala respectively whereas Chavvi Sharma is practicing under former international medallist turned coach Ujjwal Gupta posted in the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Youth Services and Sports.
Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull has congratulated the fencers and has extended best wishes to them and their parents for this achievement and wished best of luck for the competition.
In addition to calling it a proud moment, Choudhary wished the fencers good luck at the esteemed competition, expressing the hope that the competitors would represent their nation well abroad. A group of fencers, along with senior fencing coach Rachna Jamwal of the J&K Sports Council and instructor Shotu Lal, also sent their best wishes for their impending endeavor.