The 20th J&K UT Fencing Championship 2025–26 concluded today at the MA Stadium, with District Jammu emerging as the overall champion in both Men’s and Women’s categories.
The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 400 fencers representing 17 districts across the Union Territory. Competitions were held across all three fencing disciplines—Epee, Foil, and Sabre—and spanned multiple age categories, including Under-10 (Mini), Under-12 (Child), Under-14 (Sub-Junior), Under-17 (Cadet), Under-20 (Junior), and Senior.
The event provided a competitive platform for budding as well as seasoned athletes, allowing participants at different stages of development to showcase their skills and talent.
Adding prestige to the championship was the participation of several international-level fencers, including Sufyan Waheed Sohil, Harshit Kohli, Ajay Kumar, Kritarthi Kotwal, Riya Bakshi, and Subhanaya Sharma.
Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Youth Services & Sports Department, J&K, attended as the chief guest. Special guest Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, highlighted the massive participation in the event, while Rajiv Sharma was the guest of honour.
Among others present were Supriya Chouhan, along with international referees Rashid Ahmed Choudhary, Maninder Pal Singh, and Adarsh Slathia.
A panel of referees including Rachna Jamwal, Javed Choudhary, Ranchan Sabarwal, Ankush Gupta, Rahul Sharma, Gourav Thakur, Parvinder Sharma, Pritam Slathia, Varun Slathia, Mohd Tariq, Vir Sangram Singh, Ajay Khartol, Anthony Mattoo, and Tony Mattoo officiated the matches.
The championship concluded on a high note, reflecting the growing popularity and development of fencing in Jammu and Kashmir.
