India’s rising fencing star Karan Singh delivered one of his most commendable performances to date, securing a top-10 finish at the 2025 Asian Fencing Championships held in Bali, Indonesia.
Competing in the Men’s Individual Sabre, the 21-year-old Indian fencer showcased impressive form throughout the competition, finishing in 9th place, narrowly missing out on a quarterfinal berth after a spirited Round of 16 battle.
A Near-Flawless Start in the Pools
Karan Singh began the competition in dominant fashion, winning all five of his pool bouts, an exceptional feat at this level of elite continental competition. A clean sweep in the pools not only boosted his confidence but also ensured a favourable seeding for the direct elimination rounds.
Winning all five pool matches in sabre a weapon known for its speed and unpredictability is no small achievement. It speaks to Karan’s tactical discipline, quick reactions, and growing maturity on the piste.
R64 Bye, R32 Triumph
Owing to his perfect pool stage performance and high seeding, Karan received a bye in the Round of 64, moving directly into the Round of 32. There, he faced a tough opponent from Chinese Taipei in a high-pressure match.
In a tight contest, Karan held his nerve and edged past his opponent 15–13, progressing to the Round of 16 for the second time in his career at the Asian Championships. His precise timing and strong finishing under pressure were key factors in sealing the win, especially against a technically sound fencer from East Asia.
Narrow Defeat to Japan’s Kaito Streets in R16
The Round of 16 saw Karan take on Kaito Streets of Japan, a seasoned international and a regular on the World Cup circuit. In what was one of the most gripping bouts of the round, Karan pushed Streets all the way before eventually going down 12–15.
The Japanese fencer went on to win bronze, affirming the quality of the opposition Karan faced. Despite the loss, Karan’s ability to match Streets for large parts of the bout was an encouraging sign of how close he is to breaking into the upper echelons of Asian sabre fencing.
Final Standings: A Proud 9th Place
By virtue of his strong pool stage and progression to the R16, Karan Singh was officially ranked 9th in the Men’s Sabre category India’s best finish in the event in recent memory at the Asian level. His ranking is a reflection of not just his match results, but also the strength of his opponents and consistency throughout the day.
In a weapon dominated by traditional Asian fencing powerhouses like Korea, Japan, and China, Karan’s performance signals that India is beginning to bridge the gap.
Medalists in Men’s Individual Sabre – 2025 Asian Fencing Championships:
🥇 Gyeongdong Do (Korea)
🥈 Chenpeng Shen (China)
🥉 Kaito Streets (Japan)
🥉 Kokubo Mao (Japan)
All four medalists represent nations that have historically dominated fencing in Asia and are often among the top-ranked globally. For Karan to finish just outside this bracket is an indication of how far Indian sabre fencing has come and how much further it can still go.
Why This Performance Matters
Karan’s top-10 finish is not just a personal milestone; it is a statement about the growing depth of Indian fencing. Over the last few years, India has made headlines through Bhavani Devi’s exploits in women’s sabre, but performances like Karan’s in Bali show that the men’s program is also quietly building momentum.
Competing against fencers with Olympic experience and defeating highly-ranked opponents shows that Karan belongs on the big stage. With the Asian Games in 2026 and the 2027 World Championships on the horizon, India’s sabre prospects are looking increasingly promising.
Next Steps and Outlook
Karan Singh’s focus will now shift to the World Cup circuit and possibly the World University Games, where he’ll continue to test himself against global opposition. More importantly, his performance in Bali will give him ranking points that will be critical for qualification to future multi-sport events.
India’s fencing contingent will take great heart from this result, and for a young athlete like Karan Singh, this could be the launchpad for a breakthrough international career.
Top-10 finishes in a sport as competitive as fencing are rare for Indian athletes, but Karan Singh has just proven it is possible and that with the right support, infrastructure, and self-belief, India can challenge the best in Asia.
As the 2025 Asian Fencing Championships draw to a close, Karan’s 9th-place finish stands out as one of India’s finest performances at the event and a glimpse into a very promising future.