SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir fencers Shriya Gupta and Vishal Thapar have been selected to represent India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, becoming the first Sabre fencers from the Union Territory to earn a place at the continental sporting event.
Gupta will compete in the women’s Sabre individual and team events, while Thapar has been selected for the men’s Sabre team event.
Their selection marks a significant milestone for fencing in Jammu and Kashmir, with both athletes set to compete at the Asian Games scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya in 2026.
Ahead of their departure for Japan, J&K Sports Council Secretary Tazayun Mukhtar Kawos, JKAS, met the two fencers and wished them success in the competition.
“Meeting Shriya and Vishal before they leave for Japan was a proud moment for all of us at the Sports Council,” Mukhtar said.
“What they’ve achieved, becoming the first Sabre fencers from J&K to reach the Asian Games, is the result of years of discipline and hard work,” she said, adding that the entire J&K was behind the two athletes.
The Sports Council also extended its best wishes to Gupta and Thapar for their campaign at the Asian Games.
