Pradhan said that the Asian body has given extension of

the deadline of sending entry up to the end of this month.
He said anybody among the first four-finishing fencers in the last Nationals in Gwalior in the men's and women's sections in the three categories of sabre, foil and epee can take part in Thailand if they have the individual resources.
Among these, eight fencers -- all girls -- are from the Sports Authority of India Centre at Kannur in Kerala but they are uncertain about their participation in the Asian event.
Their coach Sagar Suresh Lagu told PTI that they had written to SAI and Kerala government for help but yet to get any response. He said each fencer will need Rs 80,000-85,000 to take part in the Asian event
 

"SAI had provided us the fund in 2010 and 2011 in an Asian event and Commonwealth event where my wards had done exceedingly well by winning medals. This time also we had written a letter to SAI and state government also for financial help but we have not got any response as yet," he said.

"We have to leave for the event by February 28 and it's just a week left from now. We are trying to get some money from friends and private individuals and don't know how we would go," he said.
Out of these eight girls, six will take part in the junior (under 20) category while two will participate in Cadet (under 17). The six in the junior category are Bhavani Devi (sabre), Stefitha Chalil (epee), Neha Khare (sabre), Radhika Awati (foil), Aswathy Raj (epee) and S G Aarcha (foil), all from Kerala.

Sagar said according to the amount of money he can gather, the number of participants will be decided.
"We have to see how much money we can collect and accordingly decide how many from these eight fencers from SAI Centre Kannur will take part. And if course we will have to take into account the medal prospect," he said.