National Fencing on Oct.30, 31 at Ratmalana
The National Association of Fencing in Sri Lanka (NAFSL) has made all plans to host its biggest annual event, the National Fencing Championship, for the third successive occasion on October 30 and 31 at Ratmalana.
Over 150 athletes representing nine clubs will vie for honours at the National Fencing Championship 2014 which will be held under three different categories. Competitions will be held under Foil, Epee and Saber categories with eight medal events lined up during the two-day event.
By hosting its third event in close proximity to Colombo the NAFSL hopes to draw the attention of youngsters into fencing. The inaugural tournament was held at Koggala in 2012 while the second competition was held at the Unichela premises in Panadura last year.
“We are looking at the overall improvement of the sport not only through nurturing champion fencers but also fully qualified coaches and referees so that the targets we have set become achievable, they become possible. Progress towards international triumph will come only if we are willing to go the distance. Fencing is a sport which is adaptable especially to Sri Lankan athletes who are passionate about representing their country against all odds,” stated Dian Gomes, the President of NAFSL.
Gomes was overwhelmed by the fact that nine registered clubs are conducting regular training at selected centres in Galle, Kandy, Kalutara, Gampaha, Kurunegala, Kegalle and Colombo. The gradual progress of NAFSL during the past since fencing was introdued to Sri Lanka in 2008 had been giving positive dividends according to its General Secretary, Kasuni Silva. The increased number of participation each year is considered as an optimistic way forward in search of an Olympic medal, which the NAFSL hopes to lay their hands on by 2024.
The third National Fencing Championship 2014 will contain eights medal events — Foil Men Individual, Foil Women Individual, Epee Men Individual, Epee Women Individual, Sabre Men Individual, Saber Women Individual, Mixed Weapon Men Team and the Mixed Weapon Women Team. The competitors will contest for a tally of 24 individual medals and 32 team medals which are on offer in addition to the best male fencer and best female fencer awards. The main award will be presented to the club with the leading most impressive medals tally from individual and team events.