📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bollywood Hungama
Sports
Shriya Gupta, Vishal Thappar Become First J&K Sabre Fencers Selected for Asian Games
✍️ Daily Excelsior
🗓 23 Aug 2026, 01:33 PM
👁 2
Shriya Gupta and Vishal Thappar have been named to India’s Asian Games fencing squad, becoming the first sabre athletes from Jammu and Kashmir to earn the honour.
Shriya Gupta and Vishal Thappar were announced as members of India’s fencing contingent for the upcoming Asian Games, marking a historic first for Jammu and Kashmir in the sabre discipline. The selection was confirmed by the national federation after the athletes met the qualifying standards set for the multi‑sport event.
Both fencers have risen through the ranks of the J&K State Sports Council, securing podium finishes at national championships and representing the region in senior-level tournaments. Their performances over the past season, including strong showings at the Indian Senior Fencing Championships, earned them the requisite points for Asian Games eligibility.
The Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou later this year, will feature a competitive sabre field from across the continent. Gupta and Thappar’s inclusion not only expands the geographic diversity of the Indian squad but also raises expectations for a breakthrough performance from the northern state.
Officials highlighted the athletes’ disciplined training regimen, which combines local coaching with stints at the national camp in Delhi. Their participation is seen as a catalyst for further development of fencing infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
The duo will join the Indian team for pre‑games preparation camps before departing for Hangzhou, where they aim to compete fiercely and inspire aspiring fencers from their home state.
Both fencers have risen through the ranks of the J&K State Sports Council, securing podium finishes at national championships and representing the region in senior-level tournaments. Their performances over the past season, including strong showings at the Indian Senior Fencing Championships, earned them the requisite points for Asian Games eligibility.
The Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou later this year, will feature a competitive sabre field from across the continent. Gupta and Thappar’s inclusion not only expands the geographic diversity of the Indian squad but also raises expectations for a breakthrough performance from the northern state.
Officials highlighted the athletes’ disciplined training regimen, which combines local coaching with stints at the national camp in Delhi. Their participation is seen as a catalyst for further development of fencing infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
The duo will join the Indian team for pre‑games preparation camps before departing for Hangzhou, where they aim to compete fiercely and inspire aspiring fencers from their home state.