The Ideal High school in Taleigao is a rather surprisingplace to meet a group of young feisty boys and girls who are part of thegrowing breed of fencers in the state. The school which is presently undergoinga massive refurbishment is the place for daily practice.
In 2010, the sport took root in the state when theassociation was formed. Mrs Anagha Warlikar, General Secretary of the GoaFencing Association said “It is a slow but steady process. We want to spread itall over the state. We had a workshop in Don Bosco and we have a coach who was appointedlast year.”
For the children who train every day at the Ideal school,the appeal of the sport lay in its encouragement of fighting. For Rupa Shikmat,a 15 year old girl who practices the Épée it was this very aspect thatattracted her. She said “I took up this sport three months ago and my parentsdid not have a problem. It is an international sport and I want to participatefurther. I watched fencing at the Olympics. The speed was fantastic.”
Ameen Kundan, the coach of the group of children felt thetalent was definitely there. He said “They are present everyday on time. Theyare improving very fast. Recently at the cadet and sub-junior nationals theyreached the pre-quarters, which is great. I am sure they will do better as timepasses.”
For Anagha, the investment of Babush Monserrate, the MLAfrom Santa Cruz and a resident of Taleigao, is very welcome. She said “Fencingis a pretty expensive sport and his generosity has helped us on variousoccasions.”
For the youngest in the group, 12 year old Mahendra Acharya,this sport ticks all his boxes. He says “It is powerful and very beautiful. Iwant to participate in international tournaments and the Olympics.”
In that statement possibly lies the dream and passion ofAnagha, Ameen and several others who are working hard to create theinfrastructure required to further develop this sport.
