Jammu, Dec 26 (FN Agency) Budding fencer Lakshya Sharma brought smiles on the faces of Jammu and Kashmir contingent after winning the bronze medal in the ongoing 29th Junior National Fencing Championship underway at Sonipat in Haryana, here on Sunday. Lakshya bagged the individual bronze medal in the sabre fencing event. He lost to Abhay Shinde of Maharashtra, who won the gold medal. In the same category, Moramba Laishiram of SSCB won the silver medal and the second bronze was won by Prince of host team Haryana. “This is a proud moment for everyone especially the fencers of Jammu and Kashmir,” Rashid Ahmed Choudhury, Convener, Ad-hoc Committee, J&K Amateur Fencing Association told UNI. “Total 101 fencers participated in men sabre event out of which Lakshya spotted himself into top four, which is an achievement,” said Choudhary, who himself is an international sabre player and FIE Sabre refree.
While showering praise to the budding fencer, he said, “Lakshya was also in the top eight last year but couldn’t get through to the medal round. His devotion and hard work finally paid off this year.” He also praised the fencers Mayank Sharma, Amit Chib and Suryansh Sharma, for their rankings with outstanding performances. Lakshya’s father Ashok Sharma speaking to UNI said, “It is a moment to cherish. I am sure that his dedication for the sport will earn him higher position next year.” Having all words of appreciation for mentor Rashid Choudhary and coaches Shotu Lal Sharma, Rachna Jamwal of J&K Sports Council and other senior fencers, the proud father said that Lakshya will surely keep excelling in the years to come under their guidance stating that he has not only brought laurels to himself but the whole of Jammu and Kashmir.