India Fencing made a strong start at the Under-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, winning 17 medals on the opening day. The Indian team collected four gold, four silver and nine bronze medals across the three fencing weapons sabre, foil and epee.

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The championship began on 9 August 2026 and is scheduled to continue until 14 August. Young fencers from Commonwealth nations are competing in different individual events during the competition.

India Makes Strong Start in Lagos

The opening day brought several podium finishes for India. The performance across all three weapons showed the depth of India’s young fencing squad.

Fencing is a sport that requires speed, balance, quick reactions and precise movements. Competitors use one of three weapons: foil, epee or sabre. Each weapon has its own rules regarding the target area and scoring.

India’s four gold medals came from both the men’s and women’s competitions, while several other Indian athletes added silver and bronze medals to the country’s opening-day tally.

Indian Men Shine Across Three Weapons

In the men’s events, Nikhil Wagh won gold in the Men’s Sabre competition. Indian teammate Lakshay Badser claimed silver in the same event, while Ashwini Arya and Laishram Moramba won bronze medals.

The men’s foil event also produced a medal for India, with Tejas Patil taking silver and Hemash Sanasam securing bronze.

In the Men’s Epee, Lokesh Vemani won silver. Shaurya Ashwini and Godwin Anbkess added bronze medals, giving India another strong set of results.

The performances across sabre, foil and epee helped India build a large medal total on the first day itself.

Indian Women Add More Gold Medals

Indian women fencers also produced several impressive performances in Lagos.

Joys Ashita won gold in the Women’s Foil event, while Kanaglakshmi secured silver.

In the Women’s Epee, Prachi Lohan claimed gold. Indian fencers Nivedhya Nair and Anupriya added bronze medals in the event.

The women’s sabre competition also brought another gold medal for India, with Jeferlin finishing at the top. Aakhari won silver, while Shreya Gupta took bronze.

The results gave India a balanced medal haul across both men’s and women’s competitions.

Three Weapons Form the Core of Fencing

Fencing is an Olympic combat sport in which two athletes compete against each other using specialised weapons.

Foil is a lightweight weapon in which the valid target area is mainly the opponent’s torso. Epee is heavier and allows touches across the entire body. Sabre is a lighter cutting and thrusting weapon, with the target area covering the body above the waist, including the head and arms.

The differences between the weapons require athletes to develop different techniques and styles.

At the Under-23 level, these competitions also give young fencers an opportunity to gain experience against athletes from different countries.

Championship Continues Until August 14

The Under-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship is being held in Lagos, Nigeria. The event brings together young fencers representing Commonwealth nations and provides an international platform for athletes under the age of 23.

With four gold medals already secured on the opening day, India’s campaign has started strongly. The team will look to add more medals as individual events continue through 14 August 2026.

The strong opening performance also comes as fencing continues to receive greater attention in India’s sporting landscape. Young athletes competing at international events are gaining more opportunities to build experience and compete at a higher level.

Fencing Association of India

The Fencing Association of India is the national governing body associated with the sport in the country. Its role includes supporting the development of fencing, organising competitions and helping Indian athletes participate in national and international events.

The opening-day results in Lagos provide Indian fencers with an encouraging start as the championship moves into its remaining events.