HK to host fencing world championships for first time

Hong Kong is set to make history as it prepares to host the Fencing World Championships for the first time later this month.

Organisers have hailed the upcoming event as a landmark moment that underscores the city’s growing stature as a premier destination for top-tier international sport.

Scheduled to take place at the AsiaWorld-Expo from July 22 to 30, the championships represent the pinnacle of fencing outside the Olympic Games.

Co-organised by the Fencing Association of Hong Kong, China, and the International Fencing Federation, the nine-day tournament will welcome more than 1,000 elite fencers from more than 120 countries and regions.

They will compete for individual and team titles across the three classic disciplines: foil, épée and sabre.

Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi expressed his hope that the event will not only elevate fencing locally but also showcase the inspiring journeys of Hong Kong’s athletes to the world.

"Our Hong Kong fencers have achieved remarkable results in recent years. From the Asian Games and the Olympics to the just-concluded Asian Championships, they have repeatedly won medals in numerous major international competitions," he said.

"On the piste, they fight with all their might, executing their tactics... to perfection, striking just the right balance. They also fully embody the spirit of never giving up and never conceding defeat – something we are immensely proud of."

The Hong Kong, China team will field competitors in all events.

Head coach Zheng Zhaokang is optimistic about the squad’s chances, saying he hopes to see local fencers step onto the podium.

Among the notables set to take part are two-time Olympic champion Edgar Cheung, reigning world champion and fellow foil specialist Ryan Choi, and world number 13 in women’s épée, Kaylin Hsieh.

Cheung said he is focused on delivering a performance worthy of the public’s support.

"I hope to put on a performance in front of the people of Hong Kong and my family that does justice to the training I've been doing," he said.

"My condition right now is a little better than it was at the Asian Championships, and I hope I can keep working hard to fine-tune it further, so that I can go into the competition in my best form."

Choi is determined to push through despite a minor injury.

"I'll just give it my all, do my best, and perform as well as I possibly can – taking it one bout at a time," he said.

"I have a minor injury, so I haven't resumed training... [I am trying to give myself] no pressure, no expectations, so there won't be any disappointment."

Meanwhile, Hsieh is riding a wave of confidence after winning a silver medal at the Asian Championships – her best result in the continental meet.

"This whole season I've been training and competing the same way. I got a good result at the Asian Championships, so I want to use that momentum to keep training and hope to have more confidence in myself going into this World Championships," she said.

Total attendance for the Fencing World Championships is expected to top 55,000.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...