Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Asian Cadet Cup India-2025 in Haldwani on Friday, September 19, 2025. The event, organized by the Fencing Association of India, is being held at the Manaskhand Hall, Indira Gandhi International Sports Stadium. Dhami expressed his confidence that the youth of Uttarakhand will excel in fencing and bring glory to the country.
Dhami began the inauguration by lighting the ceremonial lamp. He noted that fencing has not always received as much attention as other sports, but its popularity has grown rapidly in recent years. He stated that young people are not only succeeding at the national level but are also bringing honor to the country on international platforms. Dhami hopes that fencing will follow in the footsteps of sports like shooting, archery, and javelin throw, where India has seen significant success.
Extending his best wishes to all participants, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and a positive outlook. He believes that these qualities will not only help players reach new heights in sports but also set an example for society. He also stressed that their contribution would help fulfill the government's commitment to making Uttarakhand the best state in every sector.
The Chief Minister assured that the state government would continue to promote sports and urged players to be mindful of environmental protection by participating in plantation drives, water conservation, and cleanliness initiatives. He also encouraged youth to stay away from substance abuse, highlighting the impact of a fit individual advocating for a drug-free life. Dhami also mentioned government initiatives such as the Chief Minister Sports Development Fund and the Chief Minister Player Incentive Scheme.
The Asian Cadet Cup India-2025 is the first international fencing competition to be held in India. Approximately 18 nations are participating in the tournament taking place from September 19–22. All India Fencing Association is responsible for managing the event in collaboration with the Asian Fencing Confederation. According to the General Secretary Rajiv Mehta, Asian Fencing Confederation entrusted the event to Haldwani because of the area's excellent sports infrastructure.
The tournament is for Under-17 fencers, with around 150 international and 150 Indian athletes expected to participate. The organizers will provide local transportation in Haldwani between the hotel and the competition venue. Participants will receive a certificate, and the top eight finishers in each event will receive a diploma. The top four will also be awarded medals by the FCA.
In addition to sports, the Uttarakhand government has also been focused on preventing human-animal conflict using bio-fencing methods. This involves growing plants and grass species such as lemongrass, agave, and chilly in areas where animals are known to enter residential areas. The government is also working to boost agriculture and rural growth in the state by providing fencing to protect farmers' crops from wild animals.
The state has also seen success in national fencing competitions. In the 11th mini and 5th child national fencing competition held in Nashik, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand's Prakamya Kothari won gold in the under-10 category and bronze in the under-12 category. Aniruddh won bronze in the under-12 boys sabre contest, and the under-12 boys sabre team won silver.
