In the stillness of a rooftop in Jammu and Kashmir during the Covid-19 lockdown, Rishika Khajuria fenced against shadows. Without a coach, proper piste, or advanced gear, she honed her footwork between boundary walls, her sabre slicing arcs through the air as the world stood still. Hundreds of kilometres away in Rohru, Himachal Pradesh, Jyotika Dutta was already a seasoned name on the national circuit. Introduced to fencing at 13—late by international standards but early compared to Rishika’s start at 19—Jyotika had battled her way to over 20 national medals, an Asian Games quarter-final berth, and a coveted spot at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala. They stand at different ends of the piste in experience but share a common bond: the relentless fight to bring Indian fencing into the limelight.

Late Starts, Early Obstacles

Rishika’s fascination with fencing began when she observed a neighbor practicing the sport. Starting at the age of 19, she faced the immediate challenge of mastering essential basics such as footwork, which most fencers develop from a much younger age. Her decision to pursue fencing was met with widespread skepticism, with many dismissing it as a waste of time. Instead of stepping back, she channeled the criticism into motivation, training harder and pushing herself to prove that she could succeed. Her early victories, once labelled as luck, became undeniable proof of her dedication and skill. 

Jyotika’s journey was equally shaped by resilience. Having once reached the top national ranking, she encountered career-threatening injuries that tested her resolve. Despite these setbacks, she worked her way back into top form, demonstrating the same persistence that had defined her rise in the sport. 

In July 2025, the US sportswear giant signed Jyotika and Rishika, a rare milestone for Indian fencing, which is still fighting for mainstream attention. For both athletes, it was validation that their grit had global appeal.

The Bhavani Devi Effect

Indian fencing has existed since the 1970s, but modern momentum owes much to C.A. Bhavani Devi, the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics in 2021. Her journey—from competing at the Tokyo Olympics to winning medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships—has inspired a wave of participation. Since 2021, participation at nationals has jumped by over 50%. At the 2023 Nationals, fencers from 29 states competed—a huge leap from the sport’s earlier concentration in a handful of regions. 

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) now operates fencing centers in Patiala, Kerala, and Assam, among others, with improved facilities and better equipment. Small clubs have sprung up in more cities, but accessibility remains a challenge. Jyotika believes expansion is key.

The Art and Science of Fencing

For the uninitiated, fencing is more than swordplay. It’s a precise Olympic sport with three disciplines:

Épée (Jyotika’s event): Target is the entire body. Points are scored with the blade’s tip.

Sabre (Rishika’s event): Target is the upper body, arms, head, and back. Points can be scored with the edge as well as the tip.

Foil: Target is the torso, shoulders to waist, front and back. Points are scored with the tip only.

Today’s fencing is fully electronic. Athletes wear wired jackets, masks, and body cords linked to a scoring machine. When a legal touch is made, a green or red light flashes on the scoreboard. Speed, timing, and mental sharpness are as crucial as physical agility.

Beyond Medals: Inspiring the Next Generation

Both athletes see themselves not just as competitors but as ambassadors for the sport. In Himachal, Jyotika runs workshops and awareness drives, introducing children to fencing. In Jammu and Kashmir, Rishika uses her social media presence to share training tips, showcase the sport’s beauty, and encourage more girls to take it up. From shadow bouts under a lockdown sky to representing India on the global stage, their journey is marvelous. 

In their blades lies not just personal ambition, but the hope that Indian fencing will one day stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best, no longer a niche pursuit, but a sport where young Indians can dream big and win bigger.