49th WMC Fencing - Summary News

VESZPRÉM-BALATONAKARATTYA (HUN) – The 49th CISM World Military Fencing Championship successfully concluded in Hungary following four days of outstanding sporting performances, intense competition and international camaraderie from 28 September to 1 October 2026. Bringing together military fencers from 16 nations, the championship highlighted the exceptional level of military fencing and the enduring values of the International Military Sports Council (CISM).

Organised by the Hungarian Ministry of Defence, in cooperation with the Hungarian Defence Forces and the Defence Sports Association, the championship took place at the One Veszprém Arena, where athletes competed for world military titles across the three traditional fencing disciplines: épée, foil and sabre.

The event was honoured by the presence of CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho and CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, who attended as Official CISM Representative (OCR). The Opening Ceremony, held in the historic centre of Veszprém, provided a memorable setting for the gathering of the international military fencing community.

In his opening address, Colonel Rolim highlighted Hungary's longstanding contribution to CISM and its distinguished fencing tradition, while emphasising the importance of strengthening friendship and mutual trust between armed forces through sport.

The individual competitions delivered several outstanding performances. Ukraine dominated the Men's Épée, with Volodymyr Stankevych claiming gold ahead of compatriot Ievgen Makiienko, while Roman Svichkar shared bronze with Belgium's Neisser Loyola Lavin.

In the Women's Sabre, Zuzanna Cieslar (Poland) secured the world military title ahead of France's Sarah Noutcha. France enjoyed further success through Eloise Vanryssel, who captured the Women's Épée title, while host nation Hungary celebrated a memorable victory as Daniel Dosa claimed gold in the Men's Foil in front of the home crowd.

Italy demonstrated its strength in the Women's Foil, with Aurora Grandis defeating compatriot Carlotta Ferrari in a closely contested final. In the Men's Sabre, Heegeun Hwang (Republic of Korea) emerged victorious ahead of Ukraine's Yuriy Tsap, completing an exciting series of individual competitions.

The team events provided equally spectacular contests, with several titles decided by exceptionally narrow margins. Ukraine confirmed its dominance in Men's Épée by claiming the team gold ahead of the Republic of Korea and Hungary, while Italy secured the Women's Sabre team title ahead of France and Poland.

Poland delivered an impressive performance in the Men's Foil team competition, defeating France in the final to claim gold, with Italy completing the podium. In the Women's Épée, Italy emerged victorious after a dramatic 34-33 final against Ukraine, demonstrating the precision and determination required at the highest level of fencing.

The final competition day, 1 October, belonged to Italy, which captured both remaining world military titles. The Italian Men's Sabre team defeated the Republic of Korea 45-42 in a closely contested final, while the Women's Foil team overcame Poland 45-33 to secure another gold medal.

These victories completed an exceptional championship for the Italian delegation, which emerged as the most successful nation with five gold medals across the twelve events.

Following the conclusion of the sporting programme, athletes, officials and delegations gathered in Balatonakarattya for the Closing Ceremony, during which CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia delivered an address on behalf of CISM.

Reflecting on the championship, Navy Captain Recchia praised the precision, discipline and courage demonstrated by the athletes, highlighting the close connection between fencing and military service. He also emphasised that the respect shown between competitors, regardless of the intensity of their sporting rivalries, represented the true spirit of CISM.

During the ceremony, Canada received the prestigious Friendship through Sport Award, presented by CISM Partner A5DM, in recognition of the delegation's exemplary sportsmanship, respect and camaraderie throughout the championship.

The Secretary General also expressed CISM's sincere appreciation to the Hungarian Armed Forces, the City of Veszprém, the Hungarian Fencing Federation, the International Fencing Federation (FIE), the Local Organising Committee, referees, officials and volunteers for their professionalism, hospitality and commitment to the successful organisation of the event.

The championship concluded with the traditional Gala Dinner, providing an opportunity for athletes, officials and delegations to strengthen friendships beyond the sporting arena and celebrate the achievements of the week.

Beyond the medals and results, the 49th CISM World Military Fencing Championship once again demonstrated the ability of military sport to bring nations together through fair play, mutual respect and international cooperation.

Attention now turns to the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games in the Carolinas, USA, from 25 June to 4 July 2027, where fencing will celebrate the historic 50th edition of the CISM World Military Fencing Championship, marking another important milestone in the development of the discipline within CISM.

The successful championship in Hungary will remain a memorable celebration of sporting excellence, military camaraderie and the CISM motto, "Friendship through Sport."