Indian Fencing Federation Progress
Indian Fencing Federation Progress
Shri Rajiv Mehta, Secretary of the Indian Olympic Association, took over the position as a President of Fencing Association of India in 2017. Shri Bashir Ahmed Khan of Chhattisgarh and Ashok Dudhare of Maharashtra elected as secretary and treasurer respectively. Fencing Association caught pace in the overall development in presence of Shree Rajiv Mehta. His management, hard work, skill and intense practice in sports have paid of. Many pending cases in the sports ministry are resolved in a positive way such as fencing up gradation in priority games; it is only because of Shri. Rajiv Mehtaji, a large amount of funds raised to participate in international competitions. At a time when there was no funding from the central government, Rajiv Mehtaji sanctioned the entire cost of players for international tournament.
The Olympic medal game was not in the South Asian Games; with the efforts of Mr. Rajiv Mehata it was included in the South Asian Games, Nepal. No major international competition has been held in India yet, but due to the efforts and initiative of Rajiv Mehta, India has been given the title of Commonwealth Championship in 2020.
Fencing has gained a great reputation not only in India but also in the world. All credit goes to Shri Rajiv Mehta for encouraging the players. He also has taken initiative for involvement of fencing in Railways and police games. Under the chairmanship of Rajiv Mehta, the Fencing association of India is taking the eagles ride.
History of Indian Fencing Association
Indian Fencing Association was founded in 1974, recognized by Government in 1997 and affiliated to the Indian Olympic Association. Sports Authority of India adopted this game under its "Special Area Games Scheme" from 1989 to 1996. One German and two Russian coaches were brought by Sports Authority of India to reinforce the SAG Scheme.
The National ranking fencers who had participated in international competitions in the recent past, have had modest performance. Notwithstanding constraint of funds and lack of effective long term training and non-availability of competent and qualified coaches of international calibre and lack of international exposure, the juniors and seniors who had participated in international events are gradually ascending the ranking position, both in international and regional events.
Background
- Fencing is the most ancient sport in the world, tracking from 1190 B.C.
- Sport of the Olympiad since inception from 1896.
- Part of the Commonwealth and Asian Games from 1950 and 1978 respectively.
- International Fencing Federation (FIE) founded in 1914 (presently with 115 members).
- Indian Association was founded in 1974, recognized by Government in 1997.
- There are six individual and six team events in three different weapons.
- The total number of medals is 48, next only to Aquatics and Athletics.
Promotion
- Sports Authority of India adopted this game under its "Special Area Games Scheme" from 1989 to 1996.
- One German and two Russian coaches were brought by Sports Authority of India to reinforce the SAG Scheme.
- National ranking fencers who had participated in international competitions in the recent past, have had modest performance.
- Notwithstanding constraint of funds and lack of effective long term training and non-availability of competent and qualified coaches of international calibre and lack of international exposure, the juniors and seniors who had participated in international events are gradually ascending the ranking position, both in international and regional events.
Achievement
- Despite lack of equipment, infrastructure and sustained and proper training, Indian fencers have shown remarkable progress in international competitions.
- Indian fencers have won medals in Commonwealth Championships, Asian Championships, and South Asian Games.
- Indian fencers have also participated in World Championships and Olympic Games.