Fencer Taniksha Khatri turns focus to Los Angeles Olympics, after falling short of Paris

Published at :April 30, 2024 at 12:40 PM

Modified at :April 30, 2024 at 9:41 PM

(Courtesy : taniksha_khatri/Instagram)

Khatri lost 13-15 to Kiria T Rahman in the Asia-Oceania qualifiers.

Indian fencer Taniksha Khatri, 20, came agonizingly close to qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics after reaching the final of the fencing Asia-Oceania qualifying event.

But the Indian fencer lost Olympics hopes after losing a 13-15 heartbreaker to Singapore’s Kiria T Rahman, where only one quota spot was available.

Ranked 92nd in the world in women’s epee, Khatri looked unstoppable in her run to the decisive match, handily defeating Asian Games bronze medalist Dilnaz Murzataeva of Kazakhstan 15-11 in the semifinals. However, a controversial red card against Khatri at 13-14 in the final proved too much to overcome against Rahman.

The near-miss denied Khatri the chance to become India’s first-ever Olympic fencer under 25. However, her rapid rise suggests she will have more opportunities. Last year, she made history by reaching the quarterfinals of the Asian Games, the best result for an Indian fencer at those games.

Two years ago, then just 18 and ranked a lowly 664th, Khatri announced her arrival by scoring an upset over world 20 Jacques Andre Coquin of France before finishing an impressive 31st out of 124 fencers in the women’s epee event on the senior circuit.

Supported by the Welspun Foundation, the prodigy from India has quickly established herself as the nation’s top epee fencer. While her immediate goal was to qualify for Paris, she is already focusing on earning a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Khel Now had an opportunity to speak to the fencer about the introduction to fencing, plans, and evolution in her playing style.

Introduction to Fencing

Taniksha’s fencing life started at the summer camp of her school, DAV Police Public School in Karnal, back in 2015. Being fascinated by this sport, she has continued learning it through national and international competitions. Taniksha says, “The first time I saw fencing, its uniqueness enveloped me like a spell. The combination of speed, strength, focus, and stamina was captivating—it felt like I was witnessing a scene straight out of a movie.”

Change of course from Foil to Epee

One of the important phases in Taniksha Khatri’s fencing journey was the change in discipline from foil to epee on the wise advice of her coach, Mohit Ashwini. Though she had previously found success in foil, winning a gold medal in the U14 teen division, it was Ashwini who saw greater potential for his pupil in the epee category.

“I started my fencing career as a foil fencer and won the gold medal in the teen U14 division,” Khatri explained. “On moving to NIS Patiala from Karnal, my coach Mohit sir suggested a category change. Realizing that he recommended Epee might be a good choice for me.”

Embracing this change wholeheartedly proved transformative for the young fencer’s career trajectory. Not only did she take to the new discipline, but she unlocked her full potential within it.

“This time came just as his prophecy of me going on to win a national medal in time which came true as I bagged the bronze in my first year of participation,” Khatri recounted. “Consequently, I began my ascent to prominence, winning the title of three-time Junior National Champion.”

Challenges to be a fencer in India

One of the major hurdles facing fencers, especially those from countries like India, is the sport’s perception as costly and inaccessible. Beyond limited awareness, pursuing fencing at the highest levels requires a hefty financial commitment that is out of reach for most.

“Fencing incurs significantly high costs involved in the pursuit of the sport,” Khatri acknowledges.

“It is not only the absence of attention but the costs which are astronomically high. At the basis, a single international-level kit exceeds 2 lakh rupees. Not only that, but the majority of top tournaments are hosted by European countries, which itself makes the financial burden much more onerous.”

For aspiring fencers like Khatri, family support is critical in overcoming such financial obstacles in the early days. “My family provided me the best kit in the very early days and used to travel with me to competitions as well,” she recalls gratefully.

Without such unwavering backing from her loved ones, Khatri’s fencing dreams may never have taken flight. The costs of coaching, equipment, travel, and more make pursuing the sport at an elite level a formidable challenge, especially in non-traditional fencing nations like India.

Hangzhou Asian Games

India’s long-awaited dream of a fencing medal at the Asian Games was dashed heartbreakingly for Taniksha Khatri, who narrowly missed out on securing a semifinal berth and an assured bronze medal.

“My dream is to take part and win at least one medal at the Asian Games,” Khatri stated. “For me, just getting to the quarterfinals of my first Games was a tremendous accomplishment, and I am so proud of myself.”

The loss was particularly agonizing as victory in her quarterfinal match would have guaranteed at least a bronze medal for the Indian fencer. Despite pushing the world no 1 to the limits in a grueling battle, Khatri eventually came up just short of making history.

However, the burning desire to stand on the podium at Asia’s premier multi-sport event remains. “I promise to do the required hard work with the view of a medal in the future,” Khatri vowed, the disappointment already fueling her motivation.

Training under World Champion Nathalie Moellhausen

As Taniksha Khatri continues her ascent, she has found invaluable guidance from an unlikely source – her role model and mentor, 2019 epee world champion Nathalie Moellhausen of Brazil.

“She’s been my role model since 2019. We even used to train together at the same club,” reveals Khatri about her special bond with the fencing great.

Beyond the inspiration drawn from Moellhausen’s exceptional talent and success, it was the Brazilian star’s personal mentorship that proved most impactful for the young Indian’s development.

“She is my favorite fencer because she is an exception in her fencing technique, but the fact that she mentored me and helped me see my strengths and weaknesses is truly what made her stand out for me,” Khatri says gratefully. “I keep on working with her, and from my perspective, she remains the best.”

In the fledgling days of her epee journey, Moellhausen played an instrumental role in honing Khatri’s skills and competitive mindset, providing insights that allowed her to identify and address technical flaws.

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