Fencing: Japanese Athletes Win Gold, Silver, and Bronze in Women's Foil, Bronze in Men's Sabre at Asian Championships

On June 19, 2026 (local time), at the Asian Fencing Championships held in Delhi, India, Yuka Ueno won the gold medal, Seira Higashi the silver, Komaki Kikuchi the bronze in the women's foil event, and Shido Tsumori secured a bronze medal in the men's sabre event.

From left: Seira Higashi, Shido Tsumori, Komaki Kikuchi, Yuka Ueno

[Women's Foil]

Yuka Ueno (Air Water Inc.)

Ranked 4th in the world entering the tournament, Ueno defeated FU Yingying (China) 15–4 in the quarterfinals. She then advanced to the final by defeating teammate Komaki Kikuchi 15–12 in the semifinals, and ultimately claimed the gold medal by defeating Seira Higashi (Japan) 15–9 in the final.

Yuka Ueno

Seira Higashi (Kyodo Kaitex Co., Ltd.)

Ranked 16th in the world, Higashi defeated CHENG Hiu Wai Valerie (Hong Kong) 15–8 in the quarterfinals and advanced to the final by defeating CHAN Nok Sze Daphne (Hong Kong) 15–8 in the semifinals. She narrowly lost to Yuka Ueno (Japan) 10–15 in the final, securing the silver medal.

Seira Higashi

Komaki Kikuchi (SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS Inc.)

Entering the tournament ranked 9th in the world, Kikuchi defeated MO Byeoli (South Korea) 15–12 in the quarterfinals. She narrowly lost to Yuka Ueno (Japan) 13–15 in the semifinals but secured the bronze medal.

Komaki Kikuchi

[Men's Sabre]

Shido Tsumori (Miki House)

Ranked 31st in the world, Tsumori defeated CHAN Lok Hei Royce (Hong Kong) 15–14 in the quarterfinals. He lost to LUO Shaotong (China) 7–15 in the semifinals but earned the bronze medal.

Shido Tsumori

Athlete Comments:

Athlete Statements

[Women's Foil]

Yuka Ueno (Air Water Inc.)

"I am extremely happy to have achieved back-to-back championships. Although there were many difficult matches, I stayed focused until the end and managed to win. In the team event, we are aiming for our sixth consecutive title, and I will do my best to contribute to the team's victory. Thank you so much for your support until late."

Seira Higashi (Kyodo Kaitex Co., Ltd.)

"I am very happy to have won a silver medal! Although I am disappointed not to have won gold, I am glad I was able to perform my best and reach the final. I will continue improving to achieve even better results. For the team event, I aim for gold—please continue supporting us!"

Komaki Kikuchi (SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS Inc.)

"I am glad to have won a medal again this year, following last year. As the matches progressed, they became increasingly tough, but I managed to stay mentally strong and win through. We are aiming for our sixth consecutive title in the team event. Thank you for your continued support."

[Men's Sabre]

Shido Tsumori (Miki House)

"I am deeply honored to have achieved my goal of winning a medal in the senior category. However, there are still many areas for improvement in my performance. I will not be satisfied with this result and will continue to train diligently for further growth. My immediate goal is to help our team achieve consecutive titles in the team event in three days, followed by winning a medal at the World Championships in July. I sincerely appreciate your continued support."

Semifinal: (Left) Komaki Kikuchi, (Right) Yuka Ueno

Final: (Left) Seira Higashi, (Right) Yuka Ueno

Semifinal: (Left) Shido Tsumori