The Under 23s Worlds have a reputation for being both a proving ground for up-and-coming Para fencers and a platform for international debuts. Mersin 2026 will be no different.

A number of those entered will be classified at the international level for the first time, or return to the junior stage for their latest appearance.

China are sending the biggest team with 10 athletes whilst Kenya return after making their international debut at the World Cup in Bradenton, Florida, just two weeks ago.

Those returning to defend medals include Thailand, Brazil, Germany and France.

Thailand’s Aphinya Thongdaeng bagged podiums in all three weapons in the women’s epee, sabre and foil at the last Under 23 World Championships in 2023.

Brazil’s Kevin Damasceno finished third in the men’s sabre whilst Germany’s Felix Schrader took silver. France’s Quentin Fernandez-Anssoux won silver in the men’s foil.

Fernandez-Anssoux also impressed in Bradenton, claiming his first ever World Cup medal with silver in the men’s foil category A.

The two youngest athletes are Germany’s Leonie Robinson and Hungary’s Liliana Csarnai.

Live results from Para fencing at Mersin 2026 can be found here.

World Para Fencing has highlighted the perspectives and journeys of a series of fencers who will be competing in Mersin.

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The Para Fencing Under 23s World Championships will be followed by a Satellite Tournament from 20-21 June featuring the participation of 60 athletes from 15 countries, many of whom will take the opportunity to gather more world ranking points.

After China, Uzbekistan are the biggest delegation at the Satellite Tournament with 7 athletes, demonstrating their huge growth having first appeared on the international scene just two years ago.

The 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games is one of the world’s leading development events for young Para athletes with this edition featuring three sports overall. In addition to fencing, Para dance sport and Para badminton are also on the programme. The whole Games runs from 15-22 June with the participation of 325 athletes.