Kolhapur: State-level senior fencing championship starts

KOLHAPUR: Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj, a member of the Kolhapur royal family, and Kolhapur guardian minister Satej Patil inaugurated the 32nd state-level senior fencing championship 2021-22 at the Rajmata Jijausaheb Multipurpose Hall in Shivaji University, Kolhapur on Saturday.
The tournament, which will go on till October 25, has more than 500 fencers across universities from the state taking part.Maharashtra Fencing Association, Kolhapur Fencing Association, D Y Patil Autonomous University and Shivaji University, Kolhapur have jointly organised the tournament.
Patil, who is also the head of the Maharashtra Fencing Association, said, “To make fencing one of the top sports in Maharashtra, every yea,r five districts will be selected to create a fencing stadium, especially for fencing practise and matches. Given the Covid situation, such kind of a tournament is being held for the first time and all the precautions are being taken. Kolhapur is a historic city and I am sure that the players participating in the tournament will participate in Asian Games and Olympics.”
While addressing the young sportspersons, Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj said, “Fencing is similar to using a sword which has a historical root in India. The government needs to provide support to other sports along with popular sports like cricket.”
More than 500 fencers, who have represented at state, national and international levels, are participating in the tournament.
Yogesh Kulkarni from Vasundhara Mahavidyalay Parbhani, said, “For the past one-and-half year, we were away from sports due to the pandemic. Now, the championship is being held in Kolhapur and we are excited to get back in action.”
SUK Chancellor D T Shirke, vice-chancellor P S Patil, vice-chancellor of DY Patil autonomous university Dr Shimpa Sharma, district sports officer Chandrashekhar Sakhare and other dignitaries were present for the inauguration.