The Sports Authority of India (SAI) announced financial assistance for four fencers from the National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) to allow them to participate in the upcoming World University Games in Chengdu, China.
The fencers include Abhay Krishna Shinde (NCOE Patiala and TOPS athlete), Durgesh Milind Jahagirdar (NCOE Aurangabad and Khelo India athlete) and NCOE Patiala athletes Tannu Gulia and Shiksha Ballouria.
The upcoming event is not covered under the annual calendar for training and competition (ACTC) plans for fencing, an SAI statement read. The World University Games are a chance for the athletes to gain international exposure. Therefore, SAI has decided to give funding as a special case.
The 31st edition of the competition is scheduled to be held from from July 28 to August 8.
Other NCOE athletes who have qualified for the World University Games are NCOE Bengaluru Athletes Hardeep (Race Walking) and Khyati (High Jump), NCOE Trivandrum's taekwondo players Shivangi Chanambam and Parsida Nongmaithem as well as NCOE Itanagar Wushu player Sanma Brahma among many others.