India has moved to the top of the medal table at the ongoing Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos, winning five gold medals from nine events decided.
England is second with two gold medals, while Cyprus and Nigeria have claimed one gold medal each at the championships.
The competition is taking place at Rugby School Nigeria, Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The championships have attracted fencers from across the Commonwealth, with colourful displays of national flags and enthusiastic support from spectators.
India has also secured seven silver and 12 bronze medals, underlining its dominance at the championships.
England has recorded one silver and five bronze medals, while Australia is among the top five nations with one silver and one bronze medal.
For Nigeria, Oghenegaren Osievwa-Thompson’s gold medal remains one of the biggest highlights and a historic achievement for the host nation.
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Another major attraction has been the introduction of wheelchair fencing as a medal event for the first time.
Wheelchair fencing was previously featured as a demonstration sport at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and has now made its medal-event debut in Lagos.
The initiative is expected to promote inclusion and provide more opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete at elite level.
Nigeria, hosting the championships for the first time, is represented by a 12-member team comprising six male and six female fencers.
The Nigerian athletes are competing against opponents from South Africa, India, England, Australia and other Commonwealth countries.
Several participants have praised the Local Organising Committee for the smooth organisation of the championships and efficient event management.
Fencers from South Africa, England, Australia and India commended the accreditation process, logistics arrangements and overall coordination of the competition.
‘Memorable Experience’
Bethany Brierley of England, winner of the women’s sabre gold medal, described her experience in Lagos as enjoyable and inspiring.
“I am enjoying myself in Lagos because the environment is inspiring and the people are very friendly,” she said.
Brierley also praised the commitment shown by young Nigerian fencers during the championships.
“The enthusiasm of the young Nigerian fencers shows they are working hard to raise the profile of the sport as a developing nation,” she said.
A South African fencer said the competition had been organised smoothly, allowing athletes to focus fully on their events.
An Indian fencer said the warm reception from Nigerians had made the championships a memorable experience.
The athletes agreed that the event was not only about winning medals but also strengthening friendship among Commonwealth nations through sport.
The event also highlights Nigeria’s growing role in advancing fencing and promoting inclusive sports development across Africa.
