Sports have always been a part of my life. My mother made sure my sister and I had every opportunity to pursue sports. She enrolled us in gymnastics classes when I was just five years old. 
One day, at the same stadium, a poster caught my eye about fencing classes. It was a sport we had never heard of before, and I was intrigued. We asked the coach what it was all about, and he explained that fencing is like sword fighting combined with physical chess. There are three main styles or “weapons”—Foil, Épée, and Sabre—chosen for a person based on their physical and mental strengths.
I loved gymnastics and showed potential, but over time, my interest began to fade. However my mother was keen that I continue gymnastics.
At the time, I was only eight years old, which was too young to join, but my sister decided to give it a try. She chose Foil as her weapon, and I watched with fascination, eagerly waiting for the day I could join too. Eventually, my gymnastics coach was transferred to another city, and the gymnastics academy closed down, which marked the end of that chapter. 
In 2018, when I was finally old enough, I joined fencing. My coach recommended I start with Foil because, once you learn it, it’s easier to pick up with other weapons. My mother hoped I would continue with Foil, so my sister and I could practice together. However, I knew that Foil wasn’t the right fit for me. I was much more drawn to Sabre.
I entered my first local competition with Foil and was thrilled to win a bronze medal. It was a significant achievement, that sparked something inside me—fencing was more than just a new activity; it was something I wanted to pursue.
A few months later, I decided to switch to Sabre. I had always felt a strong connection to it, so I focused on improving my skills in that weapon. I won a silver medal in the under-11 category and a gold in the under-13 category at an inter-school fencing competition. This helped convince my mother that Sabre was the right choice for me, although she still had some doubts. 
As I continued training the announcement of the “Karnataka State Fencing Championship 2019” presented a critical decision: I had to choose one weapon to focus on. Fencing has a rule that once you compete with a particular weapon in an official event, you must stick with that weapon for at least three years. After much deliberation, I chose Sabre.
At the state championship, I won a silver medal, which earned me a spot on the Karnataka fencing team for the nationals. That was a turning point. I realized that fencing was no longer just a hobby for me—it was something I was serious about. My team and I worked intensely, training 5 hours a day, 6 days a week. Our hard work paid off when we won a team bronze medal. The experience taught me the importance of teamwork and the value of supporting each other.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic threw a wrench in my plans. Fearing the virus, I made the decision to take a break from training. It was one of the worst decisions I made in my life. While I was at home, many of my peers were improving their skills, and when I returned to the sport after a year, I was shocked at how much they had advanced. I found myself losing to younger competitors, and it was a hard pill to swallow.
After a devastating loss in the semi-final at the “Karnataka Mini Olympics 2.0, (2022)” I questioned whether I should continue fencing. It was heartbreaking to think about walking away after everything I had invested. What would I do without fencing? It had become a part of my identity. Thanks to my mother’s unwavering support, I found the strength to keep going. I set my sights on a bigger goal: to represent India at the Olympics.
Over the next two years, I remained consistently in the top four in my state and competed in national tournaments. Though my performance didn’t always meet my expectations, I never lost sight of my goal.
Then came 2023, a year that marked a major comeback for me. I participated in the “Cadet (Under-17) National Fencing Championship” in Mehsana, Gujarat, where my team won a silver medal. I was finally back in form. After so many years of being at my lowest, it felt like a fresh start. This victory gave me the chance to compete in the “Khelo India Youth Games 2023” in Chennai, where I was ranked 18th. Competing against the best players in India was a valuable experience that taught me so much.
Now, I’m preparing for the “Junior (Under-20) National Fencing Championship 2024” in December and the “Cadet (Under-17) National Fencing Championship” in January. If I finish in the top 8, I could compete in the selections for the Indian team to play in the ‘Common-wealth Games’ or ‘Asian Championship’.
Looking back, I realize how gymnastics played a crucial role in shaping my fencing journey. I’ve noticed that athletes who have been involved in sports from a young age tend to pick up new disciplines more quickly.
I owe all my success to my mother and sister. They are always in my corner, supporting me. I’m also extremely grateful to Robert sir and the entire school for being so encouraging and supportive.
Fencing has become more than just a sport for me—it’s my passion, my purpose, and my future.
