Motihari Teenager Keshar Raj Earns Spot on Indian Fencing Team for Asian Championship
In a remarkable achievement for Bihar's sporting community, Keshar Raj, a 14-year-old Class X student from Motihari in East Champaran district, has been selected to represent India at the prestigious Asian Cadet and Junior Fencing Championship 2026. The championship is scheduled to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from February 18 to February 27, 2026.
District Pride and Official Recognition
Keshar's selection has brought immense pride not only to her hometown of Motihari and East Champaran district but to the entire state of Bihar. East Champaran District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal personally congratulated the young athlete, extending his blessings and best wishes for her future endeavors. The DM highlighted that Keshar has been diligently practicing her sport at the newly constructed Khel-Bhawan in Motihari.
"I was provided with all the necessary support and sports equipment by the District Magistrate at the local Khel Bhawan, which helped me practice fencing effectively," Keshar told reporters, acknowledging the crucial institutional backing that facilitated her training.
A Journey of Consistent Excellence
Keshar's inclusion in the Indian national team is the culmination of years of consistent and outstanding performances on the fencing circuit. Her selection was specifically based on her remarkable display of skill during the foil event in the girls' category at the recently concluded Cadet National Fencing Championship (Under-17) for the 2025-26 season. The Fencing Association of India recognized her potential and officially selected her to represent the country at the continental championship.
Rigorous Training and Impressive Track Record
Currently, Keshar is undergoing intensive and rigorous training at a specialized institute in Pune under the central government's Khelo India Scheme. This initiative is designed to further hone her sporting talent and prepare her for international competition. Her athletic record is already impressive for someone so young.
According to her mother, Kumari Rani, a resident of Motihari town, Keshar has proven her mettle by securing multiple medals at the national level. "She has won two gold medals, one silver medal, and two bronze medals in national competitions," her mother stated proudly. This is not her first international call-up; Keshar had previously represented India at the 2025 Asian Cadet Cup held in Uttarakhand, gaining valuable experience on the Asian stage.
The story of Keshar Raj is a shining example of how local talent, when supported by government schemes like Khelo India and provided with proper infrastructure like the Motihari Khel-Bhawan, can rise to represent the nation on the global sporting platform. Her journey from a small town in Bihar to the Indian national team for a major Asian championship serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the region.
