Himalaya Harbinger, Uttarakhand Bureau.
The 21st Cadet National Fencing Championship concluded on a grand note at Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium in Rudrapur amid enthusiasm, sportsmanship and colourful cultural performances. The six-day national event witnessed impressive performances by young fencers from across the country, particularly in the épée events held on the fifth and sixth days.
Players competed in men’s and women’s individual as well as team épée categories, displaying remarkable skill, agility and competitive spirit.
Chief Development Officer Divesh Shashni, IAS, attended the closing ceremony as chief guest, while Shankar Koranga, Minister of State, Uttarakhand government, was present as guest of honour. Several dignitaries, including Uttarakhand Fencing Association secretary Devendra Bisht, district sports officer Janaki Karki, businessman Manoj Agnihotri, government advocate Amit Bhatt, additional advocate general Jagjit Singh Virk, Rajendra Sridhar and DPS Rudrapur vice-chairman Harman Singh Grover, were also present.
A cultural performance by students of JCI Public School, Rudrapur, featuring a traditional Kumaoni folk dance, added colour to the ceremony and was widely appreciated by guests and spectators.
In the cadet women’s individual épée event, Anchal of Haryana won the gold medal, while Pranjali of Haryana secured silver. Ambika Anantha of Kerala and Gayatri Sharma of Chandigarh claimed bronze medals.
In the cadet men’s individual épée category, Yash Yadav of Haryana clinched gold, while Jacob Thingujam of Manipur won silver. Bronze medals went to Deepu Khuman Laikuram of Manipur and Dhairya of Haryana.
In team events, Haryana won gold in both the cadet women’s and men’s épée categories. Punjab finished runners-up in the women’s section, while Manipur secured silver in the men’s category. Bronze medals were shared by Manipur and Maharashtra in women’s team épée, and Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu in men’s team épée.
Haryana emerged as the overall champion in both cadet men’s and women’s categories. Punjab and Chandigarh finished second and third respectively in the women’s overall standings, while FAI and Manipur secured second and third positions in the men’s category.
Technical officials and tournament officers who played a key role in conducting the championship were felicitated during the closing ceremony.
Addressing the participants, chief guest Divesh Shashni said national-level sporting events play a crucial role in nurturing discipline, confidence and leadership among youth. Congratulating the organisers, he wished the athletes success in their future careers.
Shankar Koranga also congratulated the winners and praised the organisers for hosting the championship successfully. He said such events provide an important platform for emerging players and expressed confidence that athletes from Rudrapur would bring laurels to the state and country at the international level.
With the successful conclusion of the championship, Rudrapur once again strengthened its presence on the national sporting map by hosting a prestigious event that brought together young talent from across India.
