The 2025 Para Fencing Satellite Tournament ‘William of Orange’ got underway at Orange in France on Saturday with a moment of pride for India.
Odia athlete Malati Panaure secured India’s first medal of the tournament by winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s Foil Individual (Category A) event.
Malati showcased an outstanding performance by defeating Chene I of France in the semifinal with a score of 15-07, securing a spot in the finals. In the gold medal match, she faced Bourgine C. of France and, despite a strong effort, lost with a score of 5-15, earning a well-deserved silver medal for the country.
Several other Indian fencers from Odisha also participated and gave commendable performances. They are Ommprakash Behera – Men’s Foil Individual (Category B), Madhumita Sahoo – Women’s Foil Individual (Category A) and Rakhal Kumar Sethy – Men’s Foil Individual (Category A).
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These athletes advanced through the group stages and pre-quarterfinals but could not progress to the quarterfinals.
Additionally, V. Ramesh Rao (Men’s Foil Individual A) and Pujaswini Nayak (Women’s Epee Individual B) were defeated in the pre-quarterfinals.
The Indian team is now looking forward to put up strong performances in the upcoming Epee and Sabre events in the tournament.
The Para Sports Association of Odisha has extended heartfelt congratulations to Malati Panaure on her achievement and wished her continued success in winning more medals for the country in future.