First Indian Female Épée Fencers Qualify for World Championship Top 64

Taniksha Khatri and Prachi Lohan made history on July 22 in Hong Kong by becoming the inaugural Indian women to qualify for the top‑64 main table at the Senior World Fencing Championship.

Their path to qualification involved outperforming rivals in the initial pool stage and surviving the early knockout rounds. The achievement places Indian women’s épée on the global map for the first time.

The championship brings together over a thousand athletes representing more than a hundred nations. India’s team, featuring 12 men and 12 women, competes in foil, épée and sabre categories.

Rajiv Mehta, the secretary‑general of the Asian fencing body, lauded the pair’s dedication and said their success sets a new standard for Indian fencing, encouraging aspiring fencers across the country.