Fencing is growing in city but lacking facilities

The Olympic game fencing is rapidly growing in the city but at the same time, it is struggling for the basic facilities. The Nagpur Fencing Association (NFA) officials are running from pillar to post to get the facilities and equipment from the concerned authorities but their efforts are not bearing fruit due to lackadaisical approach and red-tapism.

At present city has around 45 to 50 national-level medal winning fencers including four international Damini Rambhad, Harshada Damkondwar, Shruti Joshi and Nandkumar Dhanvijay and the number can go if they get proper facilities.

Mohammad Shoaib , the secretary of NFA under whose guidance the district has produced several medal winning fencers is not happy over the approach of sports authorities towards this game. Talking to Lokmat Times he said, “ For last several years we are demanding to allocate us the separate space for fencing courts at Mankapur's Divisional Sports Complex, but the DSO has provided us the place at Taluka Sports Complex which is not sufficient at all. It requires at least two 2x14 size courts for regular practice and tournaments but the court at Taluka Sports Complex is not sufficient enough where we can organise tournaments”, he said.

Shoaib said they have to depend on some schools like Bhonsala Military, New English High School Mahal, MAK Azad, etc which have outdoor fencing courts.

“ Even after lacking basic facilities out fencers are doing well at state, national, and international level. The medal winning fencers will definitely grow in the district If they get basic facilities”, said Shoaib.

President of NFA Ajay Sontakke has expressed concern over costly equipment which are not affordable to all fencers. “ Fencing requires lot of equipment which are very costly and not at all affordable for the fencers. It require minimum Rs 25 lakh for one fencing set up. On several occasions, we have approached the district sports authorities for the funds for equipment in various government schemes but of no use. We have our own limitations till we are managing our show in the district. To get the sportsmanship for fencing is another big issue

We will send a fresh proposal to DPDC: Pund

In this regard when contacted DSO Avinash Pund he said, “ We have received the proposal from Nagpur Fencing Association for a grant of Rs 25 lakh to purchase the equipment. Last year as per procedure we forwarded it to DPDC but at the same time it is not possible to fulfill all demands. Till I will send fresh proposal to DPDC this year”.

About the space for the fencing court at Mankapur sports complex, Pund said it was not possible to allott the space for all the games at the indoor hall. “Each association want separate space at indoor hall which is not possible. They should explore other avenues. ”

We lack equipment: Harshada

Talented fencer Harshada Damkondwar who is one of the probable fencer for World University Games which has been postponed said, “ Lack of equipment for fencing is major problem for us. They are very costly. Therefore everybody can't afford it. If we get the facilities then more players will come forward to play this game and bring laurels to the city. Secondly non-availability of proper fencing court is another major issue. Let's hope district sports authorities will consider our demands”,.