The "Kerry Fencing World Championships 2026 Hong Kong, China", jointly organized by the Fencing Association of Hong Kong, China and the International Fencing Federation, will take place from July 21 to 30, marking the first time Hong Kong hosts the sport's prestigious global event.
The tournament will also be Hong Kong's first major international fencing competition featuring all three weapons since the 2017 Asian Championships, underlining the city's growing status on the world fencing stage.
The event has received the HKSAR government's "M" Mark recognition and will be staged at AsiaWorld-Expo, where a 7,000-seat arena will welcome fans from around the world. Tickets will go on public sale via Klook in early June.
Organizers officially launched the event at a press conference on May 9, featuring some of Hong Kong's fencing stars, including Olympic champion Edgar Cheung Ka-long, alongside Ryan Choi Chun-yin, Leung Chin-yu and Lawrence Ng Lok-wang. The athletes interacted with young fencers during a special engagement session aimed at encouraging wider public participation in sports and promoting healthier lifestyles in the community.
The event also highlighted Hong Kong's ambition to further integrate sports, culture and tourism, while injecting new momentum into the local economy.
Among those attending the launch ceremony were Hong Kong fencing team head coach Zheng Zhaokang, Hong Kong foil team coaches Gregory Koenig and Maurizio Zomparelli, as well as International Fencing Federation Executive Committee member Vitaly Logvin.
Speaking at the event, Zheng described the championships as a milestone moment for Hong Kong fencing.
"I'm very happy because this is the first time Hong Kong is hosting the World Fencing Championships," he said. "It will play a very positive role in promoting and popularizing the sport in Hong Kong."
He added that hosting the tournament on home soil would provide local athletes with valuable experience competing in front of home fans, while also giving fencing enthusiasts a rare opportunity to support the team in person.
Although Hong Kong has achieved strong results in selected disciplines such as men's foil and women's épée, Zheng said the city is still striving to become a true world fencing powerhouse.
"We first made breakthroughs in certain disciplines, and from there we hope to gradually expand across the sport," he said. "I hope that in the not-too-distant future, Hong Kong's athletes in all six fencing disciplines will have the ability to compete with the world's top teams."
When asked about his expectations for the championships, Zheng gave a direct answer: "Medals. Medals!"
Cheung Ka-long, one of the faces of Hong Kong sport in recent years, said competing in front of home supporters would carry special meaning.
"Fencing in my hometown is an honour. I'm very excited about it," he said. "I'll just try my best every time."
The Olympic gold medallist also reflected on the growing confidence of Hong Kong athletes on the international stage.
"Before, maybe we didn't have enough confidence to show Hong Kong people that we were good in sport," Cheung said. "But now I think our team and athletes across different sports have shown everyone that we are capable of doing anything."
Choi echoed those sentiments, noting how the sport's popularity has surged in recent years.
"When I started fencing, it wasn't a popular sport," he said. "But after Ka-long won Olympic gold, and after all the history we've created over the years, more and more people support us, and more and more kids are trying fencing."
"This is very meaningful to me, and I hope it will continue to grow," he added.
(Reporter & Video Editor: Zoey SUN: Camera Person: Felicia LI)
Related News:
Kwu Tung North plans to set up fencing and swimming venues, paving way for international events
HK Men's Foil Team crown champions at Paris World Cup, securing team title after 20-month wait
Comment