Launch of World Para Fencing marks beginning of new era

Wheelchair fencing is celebrating a fresh and dynamic new look as it re-brands to ‘World Para Fencing’ from 2025. The new name reflects the wide spectrum of people with disabilities who are practicing fencing around the globe, and the inclusivity the International Federation is striving to achieve.

The word ‘Para’ has become uniquely synonymous with disability sport that complies with the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC's) Classification Code, with a series of other governing bodies already permitted to use the term by the IPC.

With the rebranding, World Para Fencing aims to help create the right conditions to expand wheelchair fencing to other impairment groups. The sport, which Sir Ludwig Guttmann pioneered the use of for rehabilitation purposes in the 1950s, has been staged at the Paralympic Games since the inaugural edition in 1960.

What’s this?

We are over the moon to present our new look!

World Para Fencing was chosen to reflect the wide spectrum of people with disabilities who are practicing fencing, and the inclusivity we are striving to achieve. #ParaFencing pic.twitter.com/eZ2CCZrMEQ

— World Para Fencing (@parafencing) January 15, 2025

The promotion and development of the incredible Paralympic sport of wheelchair fencing remains the focus of World Para Fencing. Over time and with the help of its community of Members, National Federations, coaches and referees, wheelchair fencing will become a discipline of Para fencing as more formats and disability groups are added.

World Para Fencing has also unveiled a stunning new logo featuring a modern twist on the iconic fencing mask along with the new name of the International Federation. While the beautifully stylised mask is an obvious choice, as one of the most unique aspects of fencing equipment, the blue and orange colouring and choice of typeface represents the sport’s links to World Abilitysport whilst also being as vibrant and impressive as the athletes its serves.

We are so excited to take you all with us on this journey. Stay tuned as we move into the future, together!#WorldParaFencing pic.twitter.com/7a6PyrFmLp

— World Para Fencing (@parafencing) January 15, 2025

Pal Szekeres, Chairperson of the World Para Fencing Executive Committee, said: “I have been involved in fencing as both an Olympic and Paralympic fencer since the 1970s. In that time, I have seen and been part of a great number of changes and have watched wheelchair fencing evolve into a hugely popular worldwide sport. It is unrecognisable now from my first Paralympics in 1992.

“Alongside that I have also seen Para and Paralympic sport grow massively. We know that Para fencing in many different forms is practiced in clubs around the globe each day. It is time for us to lead that movement and expand development and competition opportunities to include more disability groups, whilst also maintaining the growth of one of the world’s first official Paralympic sports.

“I invite everyone who has helped and been part of the incredible journey so far, to join us in this next exciting chapter, as well as encourage new people to get involved.” 

The 2025 season will feature a series of competitions held under World Para Fencing. The first Para Fencing World Cup of the year will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 20-23 February, before events in Pisa, Italy, in March; Eger, Hungary, in May; Warsaw, Poland, in July; Jakarta, Indonesia, in September and Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, in December. 

The highlight of the 2025 season will be the World Championships in the national home of fencing in Iksan, South Korea, from 2-7 September. Several satellite tournaments will be hosted throughout the year and the next edition of the Under 23s World Championships will also take place in Sao Paulo.

Learn more by visiting the World Para Fencing website