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Swordplay has been practiced for thousands of years, and modern-day fencing evolved from traditional military training. The sport, as we know it today, began to take shape in the late 19th century, gaining popularity as a competitive discipline rooted in precision, strategy, and speed.
Men’s fencing has been a part of the Olympic programme since the very first edition of the Games in Athens 1896. Women’s fencing joined the Olympic stage later, making its debut in 1924. Over the decades, fencing has maintained its presence as one of the most iconic Olympic sports, blending historical tradition with modern athleticism.
Today, both men and women compete in individual and team events across three primary disciplines: foil, épée, and sabre. Individual events follow a direct-elimination format, where athletes face off in one-on-one duels until a winner emerges. In the team events, three fencers from each country compete in a relay format of nine bouts, with the first team to score 45 points — or the team in the lead when time expires — declared the winner.
All fencing bouts take place on a 14-by-1.5-metre strip known as the piste. Athletes wear protective gear embedded with electronic sensors connected to a scoring system, ensuring that valid touches are accurately registered in real time. This combination of tradition, technology, and tactical skill makes fencing a truly unique and captivating Olympic sport.
Qatar Fencing Federation
Established in 2000, the Qatar Fencing Federation serves as the official governing body for the development and regulation of fencing in the State of Qatar, under the supervision of the Qatar Olympic Committee and in alignment with the International Fencing Federation (FIE). Since its inception, the federation has worked diligently to create a comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures talent, expands grassroots participation, trains technical staff, and prepares national teams for regional and international competitions.
The federation oversees all three Olympic fencing disciplines — Sabre, Épée, and Foil — and runs specialized training programs targeting youth and junior athletes through clubs, academies, and school partnerships. In recent years, a new generation of Qatari fencers has emerged, marking strong performances in Gulf, Arab, and Asian championships, especially in the youth and cadet categories.
Qatar has also grown into a regional hub for fencing by hosting key events such as the GCC Fencing Championships, several Arab and Asian youth tournaments, and international coaching and refereeing workshops in cooperation with the Arab and Asian Fencing Federations. The federation is actively promoting women's participation in the sport, with a growing number of female Qatari fencers making their mark in local and regional competitions. Fencing is also being integrated into school sport initiatives to expand public awareness and accessibility.
Looking ahead, the federation is committed to preparing a generation of elite athletes capable of representing Qatar in major events such as the Asian Games and the Olympic Games, while maintaining high standards of professionalism and long-term development.
Mr. Abdullah Ali Al-Ghanim Al Maadeed
President
Mr. Khalid Essa Al Hamadi
Secretary GeneralContact
