Himalaya Harbinger, Uttarakhand Bureau.
The second day of the 21st Cadet National Fencing Championship witnessed thrilling action in the sabre events as young fencers from across the country displayed exceptional skill and determination at Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium in Rudrapur.
Individual and team sabre bouts in both boys’ and girls’ categories kept spectators engaged throughout the day, with several closely contested matches highlighting the growing competitive standard of fencing in India.
In the cadet women’s sabre individual event, Ghazal Verma of Punjab clinched the gold medal, while Florina Devi Aheibam of Manipur secured silver. Bronze medals were won by Ishita of Punjab and Adwika Dutta of Chandigarh.
In the cadet men’s sabre individual category, Stefindo S.D. Joshik of Tamil Nadu claimed gold after an impressive performance. Vansh Raina of Jammu & Kashmir took silver, while Meitei Kangabam Jeriyul and Thongbam Kishorejit Singh, both from Manipur, shared the bronze.
Punjab continued its dominance in the team events as its women’s sabre team won gold, with Gujarat finishing second. Karnataka and Delhi secured bronze medals. In the men’s team sabre event, Punjab again emerged champions, while Tamil Nadu finished runners-up. Manipur and Tamil Nadu claimed bronze.
The medal distribution ceremony was attended by Pankaj Shukla, Chief Treasury Officer, Udham Singh Nagar, as the chief guest. Rajiv Mehta, Secretary General of the Fencing Association of India, and Harman Singh Grover, Vice Chairman of Delhi Public School Rudrapur, were present as guests of honour.
Addressing the players, Shukla said sports play a crucial role in shaping discipline, confidence and leadership among youth. He said national-level competitions provide an important platform for athletes to showcase and sharpen their talent, and encouraged participants to compete with sportsmanship and strive to bring laurels to the country.
With participants from multiple states competing at a high level, the championship has generated strong enthusiasm among players, coaches and sports lovers. Organisers said all necessary arrangements for athletes and officials have been ensured at the venue.
