Asian Games: Disappointed with results, FAI Secy Gen urges fencers to focus on performance

New Delhi, Oct 5 The Fencing Association of India (FAI) Secretary General Rajeev Mehta on Monday expressed disappointment over India's recent results at the Asian Games and other international competitions, urging fencers to focus on training, discipline, performance and results on the piste.

In a message posted on social media, Mehta said the federation must honestly assess where it was going wrong and stressed that representing India was both a responsibility and a matter of pride.

"Dear Fencers, as the Secretary General of the Fencing Association of India, I want to express my deep disappointment with the recent results in the Asian Games and other international competitions," Mehta wrote.

"We must honestly ask ourselves where we are going wrong. The FAI feels that the primary focus of every athlete must be on training, performance, discipline and achieving results on the piste," he added.

Mehta also expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency among some players to spend excessive time on social media and activities outside fencing, which he said could compromise the commitment required to compete at the highest international level.

"Representing India is not just an opportunity—it is a responsibility and a matter of great pride. Every time you step onto the piste wearing the Indian colours, you carry the hopes of your family, coaches, Federation and the entire nation," he said.

The FAI Secretary General further clarified that being a "star player" was not determined by social-media presence, popularity or personal claims, but by performance and results.

According to Mehta, athletes who have established themselves at the highest level are those who have proven themselves at the Olympic Games, Asian Games and major FIE competitions, including World Cups, Grand Prix and Zonal Championships, particularly through medals and consistent international performances.

"For every other fencer, the message is simple: prove yourself on the piste," he said.

Mehta urged all fencers to participate seriously in the upcoming FAI Ranking Tournaments and use the competitions as an opportunity to demonstrate their performance, consistency and commitment.

"Your ranking and results should speak for you," he said, while also requesting fencers not to seek exemptions from tournaments without genuine and unavoidable reasons.

"If you want to be considered for national teams and major international competitions, you must be prepared to compete, perform and earn your place," Mehta said.

He clarified that the federation was not against athletes' personal aspirations or social-media presence, but stressed that their priorities should remain focused on training and competition.

"Train hard. Compete regularly. Perform consistently. Earn your ranking. Win for India," he said.

Mehta said the federation was ready to support athletes who were genuinely committed to improving and achieving international success, but added that the commitment must also come from the players.

Calling the recent results a "wake-up call", Mehta said the time had come to put complete focus back on fencing and work collectively to take Indian fencing to the level where it belongs.

"First prove yourself on the piste. Recognition will follow," Mehta concluded, extending his best wishes to the fencers.