Twenty countries have confirmed their participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, which will take place in Lagos from August 9 to 14.
The Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFF) announced that host nation Nigeria, Australia and 18 other countries met the registration deadline for the tournament.
India to Field Largest Team
India will send the biggest delegation to the championships, with 67 fencers competing.
The athletes will take part in the veteran, U-23, para and senior categories across the epee, foil and sabre events.
Other countries taking part include Bangladesh, Botswana, Cyprus, England, Ghana, Guernsey, Jamaica, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, The Gambia, Togo and Wales.
Championships Return to Africa
CFF President Dufour Marie-France described the Lagos event as an important milestone for fencing in the Commonwealth.
She noted that the championships are returning to Africa for the first time in 10 years. The last edition on the continent was held in Cape Town, South Africa.
According to Marie-France, the 2026 edition will introduce U-23 individual events alongside the senior and veteran competitions.
She said the new category will give more young athletes the chance to compete at the international level.
Wheelchair Fencing Added
Meanwhile, the Lagos championships will also feature wheelchair fencing as an official medal event for the first time.
The decision follows the successful para-fencing demonstration held during the 2022 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in London.
The inclusion of wheelchair fencing is expected to promote greater participation and strengthen the growth of the sport across the Commonwealth.
