Over the course of 2026, World Cups have taken place in Italy, Hungary, the USA and the next generation have emerged at the Under 23s World Championships. 

There is just one competition left until qualification for LA 2028 begins with regional Championships in Europe, Asia and Americas, the latter of which is also expected to feature fencers from Africa. 

Here are the storylines to follow at the Para Fencing World Cup in Pattaya, Thailand, from 30 August – 2 September. 

All aboard for LA 2028 

On 1 October the next Paralympic cycle begins for wheelchair fencers from around the world. Pattaya 2026 therefore represents an important last test for athletes before things get really serious again. 

As a result a series of Paralympic medallists are preparing to line-up on the Thai coast. They include China’s Haiyan Gu, the women’s sabre category A gold medallist from Paris 2024, Germany’s Maurice Schmidt who took the same colour in the men’s  sabre category B and the inimitable Yanke Feng of China, a four-time Paralympic champion from Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 in the men’s foil and sabre category B. 

Entering the fray 

Two new countries – Laos and The Philippines – will make their debut in Pattaya whilst Iran will return after a hiatus. 

A team of five fencers from Laos will compete across all three weapons in the women and men’s epee, foil and sabre category A and B.  Olam Norkham,  Salermxay Xayyasith, Vilayphone Khammykoun, Sounthone Hongkham and Hongkham Khammanh are the team. 

The Philippines have put forward six athletes in the men’s and women’s epee and sabre, and are hoping to compete in the women’s team epee. They include Marieta Hernandez, Marlyn Garrucho, Violeta Sapalit, Andy Avellana, Wifredo Bugayong and Allen Coycoyen. 

Iran meanwhile have focused their efforts on the men’s and women’s individual sabre with four entries  – Sepideh Sohrabiathar, Kiyan Abdi Chalaki, Mahdi Abedi and Mohsen Barati Sarbani Toroghi. 

Thailand on the rise 

Inspired by one of their country’s most decorated Paralympians, Saysunee Jana, Thailand have gone from strength-to-strength in recent years.  

At Paris 2024, not only did Jana became the first women in history to win gold in all three weapons in the category B but Visit Kingmanaw cemented his place in the Thai sporting hall of fame. He won silver in the men’s epee category B. 

Jana has retained her place at the top of the epee world rankings since, while Kingmanaw sits a respectable second in the men’s.   

Chitiphat Charoenta  has also reached the World Cup podium three times in 2026 in the men’s epee, foil and sabre category B.  

With the team continuing to grow in both size and experience, there is a lot for Thailand to be positive about for their home World Cup and beyond. 

The Pattaya 2026 Para Fencing World Cup will be shown live from 30 August – 2 September. Expert commentary will be delivered throughout by five-time Paralympian and Athens 2004 Paralympic champion, Cyril More, with special guests. 

The full calendar for wheelchair fencing for 2026 and 2027 is available at parafencing.org.