East Champaran girl Keshar Raj selected for junior fencing championship in Jakarta

Motihari: East Champaran’s Keshar Raj, 14, a student of Class X, has been selected in the Indian national team for the Asian Cadet and Junior Fencing Championship 2026, scheduled to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from Feb 18 to Feb 27. Keshar’s achievement has brought pride not only to her native district and town but to the entire state.

East Champaran DM Saurabh Jorwal congratulated Keshar and blessed her, extending good wishes for her future. He said she has been practising fencing at the newly constructed Khel-Bhawan in Motihari. Keshar told this newspaper that she was provided all necessary support and sports equipment by the DM at the local Khel Bhawan to help her practise fencing effectively.


Keshar’s selection in the Indian team is the result of her consistent and excellent performances over the years. She showcased remarkable skill during the foil event in the girls’ category at the recently held Cadet National Fencing Championship (Under-17) 2025-26. Based on her performance, the Fencing Association of India selected her to represent the country at the continental championship.

Keshar is the daughter of Kumari Rani, a resident of Motihari town, and is currently undergoing rigorous training at a Pune institute under the Khelo India Scheme to further hone her sporting talent.

Keshar’s record on the sports field has been impressive. Her mother said she has proved her mettle by winning two gold, a silver and two bronze medals at the national level. She had earlier represented India at the 2025 Asian Cadet Cup held in Uttarakhand.