DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 25, 2017 — The annual congress of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with delegates from 129 national fencing federations discussing the results of the previous year and the future of fencing.
In his keynote address, Mr. Alisher Usmanov, FIE president, said, “The International Olympic Committee has taken a landmark decision to include two team competitions in the Olympic program. We have now ensured equal rights for all fencers to participate in the Olympic Games. This is not just another stage in the development of fencing, but a real breakthrough. The trust of the IOC is not only a great honor, but also an immense responsibility. Our goal shall be to demonstrate at the Olympic Games in Tokyo that fencing is one of the most advanced, innovative and popular sports.”
President Usmanov also stated the FIE will continue its programs to develop fencing all over the world.
The Congress made several important decisions, including the approval of the criteria for qualifications at the 2020 Olympic Games, which will be submitted to the final approval of the IOC; the admission of the Angolan National Fencing Federation as a national federation, which increased the FIE membership to 152; the selection of Salt Lake City (USA) as the host of the 2020 Junior and Cadet World Fencing Championships; Cairo (Egypt) as the host of the 2019 World Veteran Fencing Championships; and Zagreb (Croatia) as the host of the 2020 World Veteran Fencing Championships.
The FIE Congress also honored Alisher Usmanov with the Challenge Chevalier Feyerick award, in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the development of the FIE and the international development and expansion of fencing.
