IOC allows Indian fencers to play under Fencing Confederation of Asia banner in upcoming Asian Junior Fencing Championship

Last December, Indian sports was rocked big-time when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) slapped a ban on the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) rendering its allegations null and void as they suspected ‘possible manipulation of the elections.’

The move led to subsequent bans on several national sports federations with clouds of uncertainty hanging over the participation of our players in various international competitions.

Fencing Association of India (FIA) was one of the national sports bodies, which was banned by the International Fencing Federation (FIE).

The Fencing Association of India acted promptly against the ban and requested the International Fencing Federation to allow the country’s fencers to participate in international events as lack of competitive action would be detrimental to the progress of the fencers.

And the FIE responded positively to the response allowing the Indian fencers to take part in international competitions.

However, it is pertinent to mention that Indian fencers would not be playing for the country as the ban is still in place. Indian fencers have been given the go-ahead to participate in international competitions under the International Olympic Committee banner.

A source in the Fencing Association of India said that the FAI is relieved to know that at least the country’s fencers won’t be robbed of competitive action because of the ban. “Initially, we were disappointed with the ban but we are now happy that ICO has given its green signal to our fencers to participate in international competitions. We hope our fencers make the most of the exposure and improve on their skills,” the source said.

Insiders reveal that India’s IOC member Randhir Singh was instrumental in convincing IOC vice-president Thomas Bach to prevail upon the International Fencing Federation to allow the Indian fencers to play in international meets. Singh’s cajoling helped in a big way to change the FIE’s stand on India.

It is worth mentioning that International Fencing Federation, while imposing the ban on FAI, had made it clear that it was only following orders from the International Olympic Committee which, after banning the Indian Olympic Association in December, had directed all international federations to monitor the “complicated” situation in India and initiate necessary steps to protect the autonomy of the national federations in the country.

India’s fencers will now get an opportunity to show their wares at the upcoming Asian Junior Fencing Championship in Bangkok in March.

The Indian fencers would be taking part under the Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA) banner. Later, they would also participate in the World Junior Fencing Meet in Croatia.