Pakistan has decided not to send its fencing team to the Asian Senior Fencing Championships in New Delhi later this month, despite receiving an official invitation from the event organisers.
The championship will take place from June 19 to 24 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. India will host the continental event for the first time. More than 30 countries from Asia and Oceania will compete, while nearly 100 delegates and technical officials will oversee the tournament.
India’s Press Trust of India (PTI) reported on Thursday that Pakistan did not submit entries before the registration deadline. As a result, Pakistani fencers will not take part in the competition.
“We sent an invite to Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan, to participate in the championships but they chose not to send their fencers. The deadline for sending entries is long over and we are now in the process of procuring visas for the athletes and officials,” Fencing Association of India Secretary General Rajeev Mehta told PTI.
Pakistan’s fencing authorities have not publicly explained the decision.
Sports exchanges between India and Pakistan Limited
The development comes amid strained sporting relations between the two neighbours.
Last month, India’s Sports Ministry reaffirmed its ban on bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan. Authorities introduced the restriction last year following tensions between the two countries.
However, New Delhi also clarified that Pakistani athletes could still travel to India for international and continental competitions. Indian officials said they would continue to honour obligations linked to global sporting events.
Despite that assurance, Pakistan chose not to enter its athletes for the fencing championship. The decision means Pakistan will miss one of Asia’s most important fencing tournaments. The championship attracts leading competitors from across the continent and offers valuable international ranking points in foil, épée and sabre events.
Sports exchanges between India and Pakistan have remained limited in recent years. Political tensions have often affected sporting engagements, although both countries continue to participate in multinational events organised by international federations.
Landmark Event for Fencing Champions
The 2026 championship marks a significant milestone for Indian fencing. India secured hosting rights for the event after years of efforts to expand the sport’s profile in the country. Organisers expect some of Asia’s top-ranked fencers to compete in New Delhi.
The tournament will also coincide with the General Assembly of the Fencing Confederation of Asia. The gathering will bring senior officials from across the continent to India for key discussions on the sport’s future.
Interim International Fencing Federation President Abdelmoneim El Husseiny is also expected to attend.
Mehta said preparations continue according to schedule despite a few logistical challenges.
“Preparations for the championship are progressing smoothly, with coordination being undertaken alongside international and national authorities to ensure world-class event management and athlete experience,” he said.
Officials have reported visa-related issues involving some participants from Hong Kong and Australia. Organisers remain confident that all delegations will arrive before the competition begins.
Pakistan’s absence removes a regional rival from the championship. Organisers, however, expect strong participation from the rest of Asia and Oceania as India hosts the event for the first time.
