Thrilling Action Continues on Day Two of Doha 2026 Fencing Grand Prix

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January 24, 2026
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24-January-2026

Thrilling Action Continues on Day Two of Doha 2026 Fencing Grand Prix

DOHA – Excitement remained high on the second day of the Doha 2026 Fencing Grand Prix, as top-level men’s and women’s épée competitions continued at Aspire. The three-day event, organized by the Qatar Fencing Federation under the supervision of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), brings together 433 fencers from 53 countries, including eight Arab nations: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait, Tunisia, and the UAE.

The day was marked by a high-profile visit from  Mr. Thomas Bach, Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee, alongside Abdel Moneim El-Husseini, President of the International Fencing Federation, and Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Asian and UAE Fencing Federations. They were welcomed by Abdullah Ali Al-Ghanem, President of the Qatar Fencing Federation, and senior federation officials.

The guests toured the Aspire venue, checked the competition facilities, visited the training and weapons control areas, met fencers, coaches, and referees, and watched parts of the matches. Bach praised Qatar’s excellent organization and the modern technical systems used in the championship.

On the piste, the men’s preliminary rounds delivered strong and competitive bouts, with fencers battling for places in the knockout stages. Several top international athletes advanced smoothly to the next rounds after impressive performances.

Qatar’s fencers also made positive progress. Youssef Abdul-Tawab reached the round of 128 for the first time before losing to Portugal’s Filipe Frazao, while Abdulrahman Al-Jidrah reached the round of 256 and narrowly lost after a tough contest. Their participation offers valuable experience against some of the world’s best-ranked fencers.

The championship concludes on Sunday with the main round of 64 for women and men, as world champions and the top 16 ranked fencers enter the competition. Among the stars expected to compete is Japan’s Koki Kano, Olympic gold medalist at Paris 2024, along with several Olympic medalists and the defending Doha Grand Prix champion.

A total of 19 referees are officiating the event, including three from Qatar. Championship officials expressed their satisfaction with the smooth running of the competition and the application of new international fencing rules, highlighting the tournament’s high technical and organizational standards.