In Patiala, the Indian senior sabre squad, consisting of 24 members, has commenced training at a newly opened High-Performance Centre (HPC) at the Sports Authority of India’s Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports (NSNIS). This cutting-edge facility, constructed at a cost of Rs 22.83 crore, offers top-notch training infrastructure for international standards. It includes a multipurpose indoor fencing hall with advanced pistes and electronic scoring systems to facilitate competitive training environments.
Under the guidance of head coach Sagar Lagu, 12 men and 12 women are currently undergoing training in the sabre discipline at the center, gearing up for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. Sagar, who also serves as the chief coach of the Fencing Association of India (FAI), lauded the facility, emphasizing its uniqueness in the country. He expressed his satisfaction with the exclusive fencing hall, equipped with all necessary equipment, labeling it as the best in India at present.
While fencing in India is still evolving, the country has shown steady progress on the global stage. Notably, Bhavani Devi, a prominent figure in Indian fencing, secured a bronze medal in the individual event at the Senior Asian Championships in 2023, making her the sole Indian fencer to achieve this feat. The nation currently boasts three fencers ranked in the world’s Top 100, including Bhavani Devi, Karan Singh, and Taniksha Khatri.
The Patiala HPC, described as unparalleled in India by fencer KP Gisho Nidhi, offers state-of-the-art facilities for training. Nidhi, a bronze medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Fencing Championship, highlighted the international standard of the facility, comparing it to those in Germany and Hungary. The center also houses a Strength and Conditioning Hall, along with various sports science services aimed at enhancing performance and preventing injuries.
Vishal Thapar, a bronze medallist at the 2018 Commonwealth Championships, believes that the introduction of the High-Performance Centre will revolutionize the future of fencing in India. He emphasized the comprehensive support available to athletes, including specialized coaching, strength training, physiotherapy, and recovery systems, which were previously unavailable. The center’s advanced facilities are expected to elevate Indian fencing to new heights.
Sanya, a junior fencer from Punjab, praised the recovery systems at the center, underscoring the availability of advanced features like hydrotherapy. She highlighted the all-encompassing support provided at the HPC, including nutrition, accommodation, and recovery services, which are on par with international standards. With the establishment of world-class infrastructure, Indian fencing aspires to translate its potential into podium finishes at the Asian Games 2026.
