Doha, January 18 (QNA) - The organizing committee of the Doha Fencing Grand Prix 2026 has unveiled the particulars of the new edition of this tournament, slated to be held at Aspire Hall from January 23 to 25, 2026.

The announcement came during a press conference held at Aspire Academy, in the presence of President of the Qatar Fencing Federation Abdullah Ali Al Ghanim, Deputy Director General of Aspire Academy Ali Salem Afifa, Director of the Championship Khalid Suwaid, and Deputy Director of the Championship Hamad Saad Al Jassim, alongside members of the Federation.

Al Ghanim underlined that this 21st edition of the tournament is one of the largest Federation-organized Grand Prix championships.

For his part, Al Jassim highlighted that this year's edition is set to witness the participation of around 433 athletes, comprising 254 men and 179 women, representing 53 countries. The lineup will be led by the top three globally ranked fencers in both categories, alongside Olympic champions, including Japan’s Koki Kano, gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Tokyo Olympic medalists, and Belgian fencer Naccer Layola, winner of the previous Doha Grand Prix.

The competitions are expected to be highly competitive and exhilarating, he noted.

Regarding Arab participation, Al Jassim noted that the championship will feature Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait, Tunisia, and the UAE. Qatar will field nine athletes, including Youssef Abdul Tawab, Mohammed Abdul Ali, Mohammed Al Hazzaa, Abdulrahman Al Jadra, and Ali Al Khalif, as well as four women, namely Fatima Al Maadid, Thikrayat Al Abdullah, Wadha Al Abdullah, and Sheikha Ali.

The team prepared for the event through continental and Arab competitions, as well as domestic and international training camps, he said.

The contest will also see 19 referees overseeing the competitions, including three from Qatar: Mohammed Al Tiri, Mohammed Basahal, and Bashir El Shourbaji.

Al Jassim further noted the crucial role of volunteers in ensuring the success of the event, with over 150 volunteers contributing in this edition, applauding their indispensable support in organizing the competitions.

He invited fans to attend the three-day Doha 2026 Fencing Grand Prix at Aspire, promising excitement and close encounters with world and Olympic champions.

Afifa, for his part, expressed pride in hosting the event, noting the academy’s student participation and annual partnership with the Qatar Fencing Federation to develop players and provide full support.

The championship offers USD 22,000 in prize money, with USD 11,000 each for men and women, rewarding the top three finishers in both categories. This prestigious annual tournament attracts top-ranked fencers worldwide, influencing global rankings. (QNA)