Patiala, Feb 13 (NationPress) Aspiring to clinch India's inaugural fencing medal at the Asian Games, the 24-member senior sabre team has commenced training at the recently opened High-Performance Centre (HPC) located within the Sports Authority of India's Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 22.83 crore, this cutting-edge facility offers a comprehensive training environment boasting international-quality amenities. The HPC includes a fully equipped multipurpose indoor fencing hall featuring international-standard pistes and electronic scoring systems, enabling athletes to engage in a competition-like setting. Additionally, it provides integrated sports science support, advanced strength and conditioning facilities, and structured recovery services to maximize athlete potential.

Currently, the centre hosts 12 male and 12 female sabre athletes under the guidance of head coach Sagar Lagu, as they gear up for the forthcoming Asian Games in Japan.

Expressing his admiration for the facility, Sagar, who is also the chief coach of the Fencing Association of India (FAI), stated to SAI Media, “While there are multipurpose halls at various SAI facilities, having a dedicated hall for fencing with all necessary equipment in one location is unparalleled in the nation. Based on my experience, I can confidently assert that it is the best facility in India at present. The HPC was inaugurated just 20-25 days ago, and we initiated a national camp for the Asian Games immediately after receiving it. Currently, we have 12 men and 12 women training here for the sabre discipline.”

Fencing in India is still in its developmental phase but has consistently shown progress on the international stage. Notably, the country has yet to secure an Asian Games medal in this sport. The most prominent figure in Indian fencing is Bhavani Devi, who qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, becoming the first Indian fencer to earn a Senior Asian Championships medal by clinching bronze in the individual event in 2023.

India currently boasts three fencers ranked among the world's Top 100: Bhavani Devi (Women’s Sabre – WR 59), Karan Singh (Men’s Sabre – WR 75), and Taniksha Khatri (Women’s Épée – WR 86).

A leading contender is KP Gisho Nidhi, a Subedar in the Indian Army and bronze medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Fencing Championship, who also secured gold in men’s sabre at the 36th Senior National Fencing Championship last year. He aims for strong showings at the upcoming Men’s Sabre Grand Prix in South Korea (May 1–3, 2026) and the Men’s Sabre World Cup in Egypt (May 22–24, 2026) as part of his preparations for the Asian Games.

The Tamil Nadu fencer described the Patiala HPC as unparalleled in India.

“This is my first time at NSNIS Patiala for a national camp. Previously, I've trained at the Army Sports Institute in Pune and the SAI Aurangabad centre. It’s fantastic to train at this newly built HPC. All the fencers have been discussing how this facility meets international standards. I've experienced similar multipurpose fencing halls in Germany and Hungary, and this one is on par with them. To my knowledge, there is no exclusive fencing facility like this in India,” KP Gisho Nidhi remarked.

In addition to the fencing hall, the HPC features a dedicated Strength and Conditioning Hall equipped with modern resistance training systems and functional training areas. It also offers multidisciplinary sports science services, including Sports Anthropometry, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, and Sports Psychology, aimed at optimizing performance through data-driven insights, injury prevention, and evidence-based rehabilitation.

Sabre fencer Vishal Thapar, a bronze medallist at the 2018 Commonwealth Championships in Canberra, believes this facility will significantly transform the future of the sport in India.

“I’ve been involved in fencing since 2006, and I can confidently say that the SAI centre has undergone remarkable transformations. Establishing a High-Performance Centre for fencing will have a monumental impact. Future athletes will have access to these facilities from the grassroots level, right at the start of their careers; this was unimaginable in my time. They'll receive comprehensive support, including specialized coaching, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, medical care, and recovery systems. This will elevate Indian fencing to unprecedented heights,” Vishal Thapar stated.

Junior fencer Sanya from Sangrur district in Punjab emphasized the recovery systems as a highlight of the centre.

“When I visited NSNIS Patiala for the first time in 2015, the facilities for fencers were far lacking; now, they surpass even European standards. We now have nutrition, accommodation, recovery, and all the international-standard equipment available under one roof at this HPC. We are offered hydrotherapy for recovery, which we also find in Europe. Previously, we had ice baths, but hydrotherapy is a more advanced option that SAI provides. Overall, this is the best centre for fencing globally,” Sanya noted.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure in place, Indian fencing is optimistic that the Patiala High-Performance Centre will provide the crucial momentum needed to turn potential into actual podium finishes at the Asian Games 2026.