India lead Commonwealth Fencing Championships as Nigeria make history in Lagos

Posted : 12 August 2026

India are leading the medal standings at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos after the first nine events. The Indian team has won five gold, seven silver and 12 bronze medals, while England sit second with two gold, one silver and five bronze medals.

Cyprus and hosts Nigeria have one gold medal each. Nigeria's title came from 17-year-old Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson, who won the men's U-23 epee to secure the country's first-ever Commonwealth Fencing Championships gold medal.

Esiovwa-Thompson defeated India's Lokesh Vemani 15-5 in the final at Rugby School Nigeria in Lagos. The teenager had earlier beaten South Africa's Karabo Mathobela 15-7 and India's Shivaansh Kapoor 15-2 before overcoming India's Aswini Shaurya 15-11 in the semi-final.

The Nigerian fencer's victory was particularly significant because he represented the country for the first time after previously competing for England. His performance also gave the home crowd one of the standout moments of the championships.

Coach Ibrahim Alogba praised the young champion after the victory. He said the achievement could inspire more young Nigerian fencers and provide motivation for athletes developing through the country's domestic system.

The championships are being held in Lagos from August 9 to 14. The Commonwealth Fencing Federation confirmed Nigeria as host after awarding the 2026 Senior and Veteran Championships to the Nigerian Fencing Federation in March 2025.

The event features Senior, Veteran and U-23 competitions. The Lagos programme includes individual events across men's and women's foil, sabre and epee, with the U-23 events forming part of the opening day's schedule.

Nigeria are competing with a 12-member squad made up of six men and six women. The championships represent an important opportunity for the country's fencers to compete against athletes from leading Commonwealth nations on home soil.

The competition has also placed greater attention on inclusion in fencing. Wheelchair fencing has been included as a medal event at this year's championships after previously appearing as a demonstration sport at the 2022 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in London.

India's strong start has given them an early advantage in the medal race, with their haul combining five gold medals with 19 silver and bronze medals. England remain their closest challenger, while Nigeria's historic gold has ensured the host nation remains among the countries with a title before the final events.

India lead Commonwealth Fencing Championships as Nigeria make history in Lagos

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