Poor infra blunts Punjab's fencing growth

Despite being an Olympics discipline with strong medal potential, the sport of fencing is struggling to survive in Punjab, with dwindling participation among youngsters — primarily due to the non-availability of qualified coaches, poor infrastructure, high equipment costs and the lack of competitive exposure.

Sports officials and former fencers of Punjab point out that the sport once showed promise in cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar — but its momentum has slowed in recent years. The primary reason cited is the acute shortage of trained fencing coaches at the district and grassroots levels.

“Fencing is a technical sport that cannot be learnt without proper guidance. Unfortunately, in most districts of the state, there is either no coach or only one part-time instructor, which is not enough to sustain interest,” says Ravinder Kumar, a former international-level fencer from Ludhiana.

Schools, colleges prefer ‘easy to manage’ sports

Another major challenge is the absence of fencing in school sports programmes.

Unlike hockey, kabaddi, athletics, badminton, football or cricket, fencing rarely finds place in inter-school or inter-college competitions, limiting awareness and exposure, resulting in low visibility and motivation among students, he adds.

Kumar — who now runs a fencing academy here — opines that schools prefer sports that are “easy to manage” and inexpensive.

Fencing requires specialised equipment and safety gear, which most institutions are unwilling to invest in.

The cost of equipment remains a significant deterrent for families: complete fencing kits, including weapons, masks, protective clothing and electronic scoring systems, are expensive and often unavailable locally, according to Jasmine Kaur, a Ludhiana-based national-level fencer.

With minimal financial assistance, government subsidy or sponsorship, sustaining long-term training proves difficult for middle-class families — thus many talented youngsters are forced to quit early or discontinue the sport and shift to other disciplines, she rues.

Former players have pointed out the absence of career awareness and incentive structures — such as scholarships, government jobs, and sports quotas — which discourages talented youngsters from continuing the sport.

They warn that, without a clear development roadmap, fencing may remain confined to a few metropolitan cities.

“Parents also cite the high cost of fencing equipment and often ask about job prospects, scholarships and sports quotas with limited exposure and minimal career guidance. Unfortunately, fencing does not offer the same assurance as other sports in Punjab, which discourages long-term commitment,” said a former state-level fencer.

Experts opine that Punjab has the physical talent and sporting culture to excel in fencing — provided systematic support is in place.

They advocate for the appointment of certified coaches, establishment of dedicated fencing training centres, and regular district and state-level tournaments.

Sports enthusiasts have called for immediate steps to invigorate the sport by integrating fencing into school curricula, organising coaching camps, and providing subsidies for equipment.

They believe that, despite challenges, fencing holds immense potential, as India has shown improvement in national and international events in recent years.

Timely intercession can help fencing regain its footing, and inspire a new generation of athletes, they added.

Sports aficionados have urged the Punjab Sports Department and the Punjab Fencing Association to formulate a clear revival plan, warning that, without immediate intervention, fencing may disappear from the state’s sporting landscape despite its Olympic status and global popularity.

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