Pune Class 3 Student Wins Bronze in U-10 Foil at National Fencing Championship
Pune Class 3 Student Wins Bronze in U-10 Foil at National Fencing Championship
In a remarkable achievement, eight-year-old Ahaan Daga from Pune clinched the bronze medal in the Under-10 Foil category at the National Fencing Championship 2025, held on July 6 in Nashik, Maharashtra. A student of Vidya Valley School, Sus, and a Class 3 student, Ahaan began fencing just two years ago but already displays the grit and focus of a seasoned athlete.
Training at the En Garde Fencing Academy, Balewadi, Ahaan is mentored by coaches Shweta Avad and Bommai Thingbaijam. Interestingly, it was coach Avad his friend’s mother—who first introduced him to the sport.
“I wasn’t expecting a medal,” said Ahaan, reflecting on the intense tournament day which began at 8 am and went on until 11:30 pm. “I found that fencing is the chess of muscles. It’s not like football or volleyball. It’s fast and exciting, and I love that.”
Ahaan had secured his place at the nationals after bagging bronze at the Maharashtra state-level championship in Aurangabad just days earlier. Despite being new to the sport, his strong sense of fair play and strategic thinking stood out. “He even told the referee to award a point to his opponent,” said Coach Avad, admiring his honesty and composure under pressure.
Fencing comprises three disciplinesFoil, Épée, and Sabre. Ahaan competed in the Foil discipline, where points are scored by striking the torso with the tip of the sword.
Coach Avad added, “At a time when many kids are glued to screens, Ahaan shows sharp alertness, discipline, and the rare ability to focus. He listens, strategises, and competes with integrity.”
With his eyes now set on representing India at international and Olympic levels, Ahaan’s fencing journey is off to a promising start—and he’s already proving to be a name to watch.
