First in Indian sports, fencers to play under foreign banner

Left to themselves to find the resources to participate in next month's Asian Junior and Cadet Championships in Thailand, the Indian fencers finally managed to raise funds and will now take part in the event under Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA) banner.
The Indian fencers have been disallowed to take part in the March 2-11 Asian event under the national flag following India's ban by International Olympic Committee in December last. International Fencing Federation (FIE) had suspended Fencing Association of India (FAI) soon after the IOC decision.
The fencers were, however, allowed to take part in the Asian event under the foreign banner.

Despite that, the participation of Indian fencers was in doubt as government funding was not forthcoming as they would not represent the country. The national federation also lacks resources as it is not getting government funds after the sport had been relegated to the 'other' category.
But far from being disappointed, the fencers searched relentlessly for individual sponsors and with some money from their own pocket they have culled in the required amount to take part in the event.
FAI Secretary Sanjay Pradhan told PTI that he has sent the entries to the event organisers after the fencers have informed him that they have collected enough resources.

"The organisers as a special case has given us extension of deadline to send the entries as they know our predicament. We have told the fencers that the FAI has no money and they have to arrange money for themselves. Now they have informed us that they have the funds now," Pradhan said.
Kerala-based fencing coach Sagar Suresh Lagu confirmed that his wards have raised funds from individual sources and from own pocket and they are taking part in the Asian event.