Over 300 young athletes from across the country and overseas competed at the club invitational meet in Kuala Lumpur.
MALAYSIA’s grassroots fencing scene saw strong performances across age groups at the Triumph Fencing Wira Pedang Invitational 2025 held at Glo Damansara in Kuala Lumpur.
The two-day tournament drew over 300 participants in 32 events covering foil, epee and sabre, from Under-7 to open categories.
Triumph Fencing Studio (TFS) emerged overall champions, with 16 gold, 19 silver and 27 bronze medals.
Among the highlights was the Under-12 Girls’ Epee final, where Loo Yi Xuan of TFS edged Damia Qaisara Ariffin of Allez Johor Fencing Academy 8-6 to clinch gold.
Joint third place went to Isabella Rose Hazwan and Nura Al Huzaim Azzubair, both representing TFS.
In the Men’s Epee Open, 37-year-old Kelvyn Kok Mancheng of TFS took the title after beating Shazamin Shahrani of Five Star Fencing Club 15-8 in the final.
Muhammad Aiman Najmi Mohd Zafril Rizal of TFS and Lucas Chin Jia Jun of Five Star Fencing Club were joint third.
The invitational also drew international participants from Thailand, China and Japan, giving local fencers valuable exposure to different techniques and match styles.
TFS founder and head coach Rizal Ashraf Rosli said the event was more than just about medals.
“This inaugural tournament is not just about the thrill of the competition,” he said.
“It is about showing how fencing can inspire people of all ages to discover joy, discipline and the true spirit of sport.
“Grassroots competitions like this shape tomorrow’s champions by honing technical skill and building match experience, both of which are crucial steps for Malaysia to nurture fencers who can one day challenge at international competitions.”
Rizal said TFS planned to continue organising grassroots tournaments to build match experience and develop fencers with international potential.
“Whether it’s a child gaining confidence, a teenager sharpening their skills or an adult rediscovering their passion, the weekend’s tournament was about building character, strengthening community and inspiring the next generation of champions,” he said.
Parents, too, highlighted fencing’s role in building character.
Leticia Hsu, whose daughter trains under TFS, said the sport had brought her family closer.
“Watching my child compete in this tournament means more than just winning medals; it’s about seeing her confidence grow, her discipline shine and the life lessons she takes away from fencing that go far beyond the sport.
“My husband and I also took up fencing because we wanted a sport we could share as a family; we love how it brings us closer together while keeping us active,” she said.
Dalveen Kaur said her son had become more focused and determined since taking up the sport.
“As parents, we introduce our children to many different sports at the foundational level.
“My son discovered his own passion for fencing and continues to dream bigger with each step,” she said.
“We support and motivate him and are proud that the sport has strengthened his sense of sportsmanship and inspired him to share that spirit with his friends, thanks to the camaraderie within the fencing community.”
Wan Mohd Hazwan Wan Mohd Najib said youth events gave children a meaningful outlet beyond the classroom.
Fencing’s fast pace and tactical nature, he said, sharpened his daughter’s focus, resilience and adaptability while giving her goals beyond academics.
“We are grateful for local youth competitions that let even young children learn perseverance and sportsmanship from an early age,” he added.
