Pune, Mar 27 (Agency) Fencing Association of India (FAI) President Satej Patil has exuded confidence that the country’s top fencers would perform well in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. “Today, we are receiving a good response for fencing. We are also focusing on creating state-of-the-art infrastructure for the sport in the country. CA Bhavani Devi, who became the first Indian fencer to qualify for Olympics, has paved the way for other fencers and hence I am confident that top fencers of the country will first qualify and then excel in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics,” Satej Patil said. Satej Patil said that fencing is well-known in Europe, but of late India is also taking giant strides in the combat sport.
Under Patil’s leadership, the 33rd Senior National Fencing Championship, is being organised by FAI in association with Maharashtra Fencing Association and Dr DY Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Mhalunge-Balewadi. The Championship will conclude on March 28. Patil has also served as the President of the Maharashtra Fencing Association before taking over the national responsibility. Patil also spoke at length about the initiatives taken at the grass-root level by the Federation. “We will provide necessary encouragement to every state association for the growth of fencing. We will create dedicated facilities for fencing in a state like Maharashtra, where there are already 1500 fencers registered. Getting sponsorships for players will be a challenge and so we will frame a policy where corporate companies can adopt fencers and support them,” Satej Patil elaborated.
“We have also set up 50 fencing centres in India in the past one year and we are aiming to set up another such 75 centres in the next one year. Our focus is also on encouraging parents to support their kids, who take up fencing at a young-age,” he said. About hosting the Senior Nationals in Pune, he said while the organizers are providing state-of-the art facilities for fencers, who have come from 29 states and Services Sports Control Board, emphasis is also given on providing nutritious food to the fencers after consultation with dieticians. “It is a matter of immense pride to host the Senior Nationals in Pune and to effectively reach out to masses, we are using social media. We want more and more people to take inspiration from this competition,” he signed off.