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Historic strike: Madhya Pradesh’s first national para fencers

Historic Strike: Madhya Pradesh’s First National Para Fencers | Tina Khatri
Indore News • Para Sports • National Achievement

Historic Strike: Indore’s First National Para Fencers

Written by TINA KHATRI | March 19, 2026

For the first time in history, para fencers from Indore are heading to the National Para Fencing Championship, turning personal challenges into historic achievement.

Alfaiz Mugal, 16, who lives with cerebral palsy, Vandan Chawla, 15, a child with epilepsy and mild intellectual disability, and Lovenesh Khanna, 28, the state’s first wheelchair fencer, will represent Indore in foil events at Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur. Organised by Divyang Papa Sports Association of Rajasthan under the aegis of the Paralympic Committee of India, the championship features individual and team competitions.

Personal Resilience: The Journey of Lovenesh Khanna

For Lovenesh, the journey has been as much about personal resilience as athletic skill. Encouraged from childhood by his parents to take up martial arts, he learned early that discipline and physical strength could shape his life. Yet nothing prepared him for the grief of losing his mother to liver failure—a loss he described as “the hardest moment of my life.” Leaning on his father for support, Lovenesh transformed personal tragedy into purpose. “My father pushed me when I had no energy left to push myself,” he said.

Defying Expectations: Alfaiz and Vandan

Alfaiz and Vandan have also defied expectations. Despite their physical and cognitive challenges, they have trained rigorously, often pushing themselves beyond what others might have thought possible. Each day at Urjasvini Special School, they dedicate hours to practice, learning not just technique but also focus, discipline, and resilience.

“People often doubt what these children can achieve, but they are showing that limits exist only in perception. They are trying, and they are proving it.”
— Psychologist Vini Jhariya, Director of Urjasvini Special School

She added that their journey is about more than medals or rankings—it is about confidence, self-reliance, and breaking barriers. Coach Sayeed Alam said the young athletes are setting the stage for something beyond national recognition. “Fencing is injury-free and inclusive. Their journey will inspire many others to take up sports,” he said.

The Impact on Para Sports in MP

This historic participation is more than medals or rankings. It is a story of grit, family support, and breaking barriers in a state where para sports are only beginning to receive attention. From Indore to Jaipur, Alfaiz, Vandan, and Lovenesh are showing that courage and determination can redefine what is possible—not just for themselves, but for a generation of aspiring athletes in Madhya Pradesh.

Champions Speak...

Lovenesh Khanna

“Being on the national team is amazing. I feel proud every time I think that I’m representing Indore and Madhya Pradesh on such a big stage.”

Vandan Chawla

“Every match feels like an adventure! I enjoy the focus, the strategy, and the excitement of trying my best. Fencing makes me feel alive and full of energy.”

Alfaiz Mugal

“I hope our journey inspires other kids to try new sports, make friends, and enjoy every moment of playing. Sports can be fun and exciting for everyone!”

Spotlight on the Athletes

Lovenesh Khanna – 28, Wheelchair Fencer

  • First wheelchair fencer from Madhya Pradesh
  • Lost his mother recently; father’s support kept him going
  • Started martial arts as a child, learned discipline and resilience
  • Competing in foil events, individual and team

Alfaiz Mugal – 16, Cerebral Palsy

  • Student at Urjasvini Special School, Indore
  • Trains rigorously despite physical challenges
  • Representing Indore in national foil events
  • Aims to inspire other children with disabilities

Vandan Chawla – 15, Epilepsy & Intellectual Disability

  • Student at Urjasvini Special School, Indore
  • First participation in a national para fencing championship
  • Focused on overcoming challenges through training and teamwork
  • Competing in individual and team foil events

Why It Matters:

  • First participation from Madhya Pradesh in para fencing at the national level.
  • Highlights **inclusion, resilience**, and the potential of adults and children with disabilities.
  • Sets a historic example for aspiring para athletes across the state.

Search Summary: History made in Indore as the first para fencers from Madhya Pradesh compete in the National Para Fencing Championship. Featured: Lovenesh Khanna, Alfaiz Mugal, and Vandan Chawla. Reporter: Tina Khatri.

Keywords: tinakhatri.blogspot.com, Indore Para Sports, Urjasvini Special School, Para Fencing India, MP Sports Achievement 2026.

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