Italy and Ukraine shine on the podium at the 48th World Military Fencing Championship in Seville

SEVILLA (ESP) - The 48th World Military Fencing Championship reached its decisive team finals in Seville, with Italy and Ukraine emerging as the dominant nations. Italy once again demonstrated the depth of its sabre tradition, claiming both the men’s and women’s team titles. In the men’s sabre final, Leonardo Dreossi, Daniele Franciosa, Lorenzo Ottaviani and Mattia Rea delivered a commanding performance to overcome South Korea, while Poland secured the bronze medal.

The women’s sabre competition brought further glory for the Italians as Rossella Gregorio, an Olympian and world champion who continues to add prestige to her career, guided Elisabetta Borrelli, Carlotta Fusetti and Rebecca Gargano to the top of the podium ahead of Poland and Ukraine.

In épée, Ukraine took centre stage in the men’s team event, with Levgen Makiienko, Volodymyr Stankevych, Roman Svichkar and Yan Sych defeating a talented Hungarian side in the final, while Switzerland captured the bronze medal. The women’s épée final, however, saw Italy reclaim supremacy, as Alessandra Bozza, Nicol Foietta, Carola Maccagno and Roberta Marzani, a fencer with international medals to her name, earned gold ahead of Ukraine and Switzerland.

Poland emerged victorious in the men’s team foil, with Maciej Bem, Jan Jurkiewicz, Mateusz Kozak and Michal Siess prevailing over Italy and South Korea in a hard-fought contest. In the women’s team foil, Hungary confirmed its strong tradition in the discipline, with Kata Kondricz, Dora Lupkovics and Flora Pasztor leading the team to the title over Romania, while Italy claimed the bronze medal.

Beyond the sporting battles on the piste, the championship also celebrated one of CISM’s most cherished traditions. The Gift Exchange, held yesterday at the Hotel Silken, brought together the Chiefs of Mission from each participating nation in a warm and respectful atmosphere. More than a symbolic gesture, the ceremony embodied the CISM values of friendship, unity and solidarity through sport.

During the event, the CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim underlined its significance, stating that “the Gift Exchange is a gesture that reflects the true spirit of CISM: solidarity, respect, and peace through sport. It is a custom we must continue to honor and uphold.” The evening unfolded with camaraderie as delegates exchanged not only gifts, but also stories, smiles and a renewed commitment to strengthening international bonds, culminating in the traditional family photo.

The presence of internationally renowned fencers such as Rossella Gregorio brought additional prestige to the competition, underlining the bridge between Olympic, world and military achievements. After a week of thrilling team duels in Seville, all attention now turns to Saturday, September 20, when the individual finals will take place and the 48th World Military Fencing Championship will reach its climax.

For more information and real-time updates, visit www.cism-48wmcfencing.es. Full results are available on: https://engarde-service.com/tournament/cism/48th

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department & http://cism-48wmcfencing.es/news)