Imphal, February 16: Four State fencers have stormed into the finals of boys individual Epee event and girls individual Sabre event on the opening day of the 11th edition of National Jr Fencing Championship which kicked off from today with State Governor Arvind Dave inaugurating the grand opening ceremony at the indoor stadium of Khuman Lampak Sports complex.

Altogether 214 fencers from 16 States of the country are participating in it.

On day one of the championship, four State fencers have stormed into the finals of two events which will be all State affairs final.

International fencer Jayanta and Sanatomba will clash in the final of boys� individual epee event.

Karnataka faced the wrath of State fencers as three of its medal prospect fencers were defeated in the semi-finals but have been assured of a bronze medal each.

On his way to final Sanatomba defeated Ayush Garg (UP) 10-6, Kartik (TN) 10-2, Rajdeep (Chandigarh) (15-7) in the quarter final and Gaurabjit (Punjab) 15-10 in the semi-final.

Jayenta who got a bye in the first round defeated Jayaprakash (Pondicherry) 10-4 in second round, Harpreet (Pun) 10-5 in the quarter final and Sumeeth (Karnataka) 15-6 in the semi final.

Sanatomba and Jayenta will take on in the final tomorrow.

In the girls individual sabre event, State eves Th Tinku and N Harina will clash in the final tomorrow.

Harina beat Lovjit Kaur (Pun) 10-6, Tarneet (Har) 10-3 in quarter final and N Bindu (Karna) 15-8 in the semifinal.

On her way to the final, Th Tinku defeated Luchi NK (WB) 10-5, M Reddy (AP) 10-6 in quarter final and N Lakshmi (Karna) 15-11 in semis.

The championship which will continue till Feb 19 is being organized by Manipur Fencing Association, MFA under the auspices of Fencing Association of India, FAI.

The participating States are hosts Manipur, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh Guja- rat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Pondichery, Tamil Nadu, U Pradesh, W Bengal and Maharashtra.

The inaugural function was attended by Governor Arvind Dave as chief guest and presided by Rajya Sabha MP and former CM Rishang Keishing.

Senior vice president FAI Dr.BK Sinha, IPS, chief coach FAI Marton and director administration Fai Asiad Jyoti TK.

Balu among others attended the ceremony as guest of honor.

Cultural programme marked the opening ceremony with Maibi Jagoi performed by artistes of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy and stick dance.

Arvind Dave speaking as the chief guest said that sports are helpful in developing good physique and spirit of cooperation, fraternity, healthy competition and qualities of friendship.

Stressing on the importance of sports in moulding discipline, character and health of the youth, Dave said that every effort made by any organization for promotion and development of any discipline of sports movement has to be encouraged and appreciated by all.

He also hoped that MFA under the auspices of FAI will contribute their maximum mite in producing more fencers from the country.

To encourage the organizers Dave donated a sum of Rs.20,000 from his discretionary fund.

He also released a commemorative souvenir.

A demonstration bout was also played by two international fencers S Jayanta Singh and A Sanatomba Singh.

Fencers will vie for 12 (6 each for boys and girls) medals in epee, foil and sabre events both in individual and team.

It is pertinent to mention here that Manipur is the reigning champion of the said championship.

Manipur garnered a total of 10 gold medals out of 12 in the 10th edition of the championship held in Punjab last year.

MFA organized the first state level fencing championship in 1989 which was first of its kind in the entire northeast States.

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