Chongqing - On December 9th, the 2023 Chongqing Youth Fencing Championship kicked off at the YUE Sports Chongqing International Expo Center Youth Sports Center. This marked the first city-level competition since the center’s inauguration. The opening ceremony also featured the presentation of the title “China Fencing Association Chongqing Youth Training Base.”

On December 9th, the 2023 Chongqing Youth Fencing Championship kicked off at the YUE Sports Chongqing International Expo Center Youth Sports Center. (Photo/The event organizer)

This two-day fencing championship has set a new record with nearly 700 individual registrations and almost 200 team registrations, making it the largest participation in the event’s history.

The competition is divided into three youth groups and two junior groups based on age, featuring individual and team events in foil, epee, and saber.

On December 9th, the 2023 Chongqing Youth Fencing Championship kicked off at the YUE Sports Chongqing International Expo Center Youth Sports Center. (Photo/The event organizer)

Professor Zhao Chuanjie, a distinguished figure from Shanghai Sports University and an international-level referee, took the lead as the director of the Technical Committee and Chief Referee. His role was pivotal in ensuring the fairness and impartiality of the competition.

As the sole youth training base in the western region accredited by the Chinese Fencing Association (CFA), the YUE Sports Chongqing International Expo Center Youth Sports Center is set to host training sessions for the national youth and junior teams. This opportunity enables young fencers in Chongqing to engage with some of China’s premier fencing talents, potentially joining the national team selection process and bolstering youth fencing development in the region.

Zhang Yueqi, Vice Chairman of the CFA, commented, “The association intends to organize international youth fencing exchange activities at the base, aiming to nurture more exceptional talents for fencing initiatives in the western region.”

The opening ceremony also marked the announcement of YUE Sports Chongqing International Expo Center Youth Sports Center’s partnerships with various local schools, such as Chongqing Shandong Luneng Bashu Middle School and Chongqing No. 8 Hongfan Middle School. Over ten schools are designated as talent feeders for the “China Fencing Association Chongqing Youth Training Base.” These collaborations will focus on forming professional teams, cultivating well-rounded fencing talents, and granting children access to superior educational resources.