RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is set to host one of Asia’s largest youth fencing events this month, as Jakarta welcomes hundreds of young athletes competing not only for continental titles but also for a pathway to the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

The Asian Cadet and Junior Fencing Championships will take place in Jakarta from February 20 to 27, 2026, drawing 801 athletes from 26 countries across Asia and Oceania.

Chairman of the Indonesian Fencing Association (Ikasi), Amir Yanto, said Indonesia’s appointment as host was decided during the Congress of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) and the Asian Fencing Federation in Uzbekistan in March 2024.

“For the junior category, we already hosted the event in Bali in June 2025 and it was successful. Now we will organize the cadet and junior championships in Jakarta,” Amir said in Jakarta on Thursday, February 19, as quoted by Antara.

The tournament will feature three disciplines - sabre, epee (degen), and foil (floret) - contested in both individual and team events for men and women. Under competition rules, each participating country may send a maximum of 24 athletes.

The cadet division is open to fencers aged 13–16, while the junior division welcomes those aged 17–19.

Beyond continental prestige, the championships will also serve as a qualification stage for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. “This championship actually serves as a selection event for participants of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar,” he added.

As host nation, Indonesia is fielding its full quota of 24 athletes across all disciplines. The team has undergone national selection and centralized training camps, including sessions in Manado and Bitung in North Sulawesi, as well as overseas preparations.

“The organization of this championship is an international trust, and I hope this trust will be used by our athletes to gain as much experience as possible,” he continued.

Indonesia last competed in regional fencing events at the 2025 SEA Games, where three teams were eliminated in the quarterfinals. Hosting the Asian championships is expected to provide valuable international exposure for the country’s next generation of fencers. ***