AK Bhalla opens 21st Governor Cup State Level Fencing Championship
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 28 2025:

Imphal West senior fencers dominate Epee competition, add 3 gold on opening day

Governor, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, today inaugurated the 21 st Governor's Cup State Level Fencing Championship 2025 at the indoor stadium of SAI-NERC, Takyelpat.

The opening ceremony of the championship that will run till August 31, showcased thrilling fencing bouts, said PRO Raj Bhavan in a press release.

Speaking at the event, the Governor highlighted Manipur's rich sporting legacy noting that the State has consistently produced world class athletes over the years.

He also highlighted recent successes at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 as a shining example, it said.

He also noted the special connection between fencing and Manipur's own martial tradition, describing it as a sport that brings together agility of the body and sharpness of the mind, it said.

He also went on to say that the youth of Manipur have time and again proven that nothing is impossible, and expressed his belief that many more will go on to represent India on the international stage, it said.

The inauguration ceremony saw enthusiastic participation from young athletes, coaches, families and sports officials, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the State, it added.

AK Bhalla opens 21st Governor Cup State Level Fencing Championship

Senior men and women's Sabre competition

The day also saw completion of the sabre competitions for senior men and women.

O Jubaraj, representing Bishnupur district, sealed the gold medal in the senior men's sabre competition beating S Biju of Imphal East district in the final.

Imphal East's Th Maxi and Thoubal's Th Ajitkumar shared the bronze medal podium in this event.

Meanwhile, L Abi of Imphal West district clinched the senior women's sabre gold beating P Ambika of Imphal East district in the final today.

Imphal East's Th Pushpa and Imphal West's Ph Baby meanwhile settled for the bronze medal.

Senior men and women's Epee competition

Ch Jetlee of Imphal West in the meantime sealed senior men's epee title defeating Sh Robert of Imphal East in the final clash by 15-11 points.

Ch Jetlee reached the final with a 15-10 points victory against Bhupen of Imphal East in the semi-final.

Earlier in the last 16 round, Jetlee beat Kakching's Sh Zenith 15-3 before outlasting K Ramankanta of Ukhrul 15-9 in the quarterfinal.

Sh Robert in the meantime defeated W Nikash of Ukhrul in the pre-quarterfinal before defeating H Tontang of Ukhrul 15-11 in the quarters and Th Dinkiraj of Bishnupur in the semi-final.

The gold medal rush for Imphal West continued with M Stella securing senior women's Epee title.

Stella defeated Linthoi of Imphal East 15-10 in the title clash to earn the gold medal.

She earlier reached the quarters with a 15-6 win over K Jenita of Bishnupur before beating Imphal East's Dibiya 15-5 in the semi-final to eam her place in the final.

Linthoi in the meantime reached the final with a 15-12 win over Kiranbala in the semi-final.

Earlier in the quarterfinals, Linthoi defeated compatriot L Chinglembi.

Senior men and women's Foil competitions

K Abhinash and N Mina of Imphal East on the other earned foil competition gold medals.

Abhinash defeated L Tomba of Thoubal by 15-13 points to win the men's title.

Abhinhas defeated U Premjit of Ukhrul 15-1 in the prequarterfinal before beating N Tuphan of Thoubal 15-7 in the quarters and H Rabikumar of Bishnupur in the semifinal.

L Tomba on the other hand reached the final by beating Kh Rajiv of Imphal East 15-6 in the quarterfinals and S Rahul of Ukhrul 15-10 in the semi-final.

N Mina in the meantime clinched the women's gold by defeating W Soniya of Imphal West in the final by 15-12 points.

Mina got a bye in the last-16 stage and defeated compatriot M Shayaluxmi 12-2 in the quarterfinals beating compatriot Dayarani 15-7 in the semi-final to book her final ticket.

Soniya meanwhile reached the final with a 15-8 win over N Eden of Kakching in the quarterfinals before beating compatriot Ph Anita 15-5 in the semi-finals.