Moramba Laishram, an Indian Army Havaldar from Singjamei in Imphal, added an international podium finish to his resume by claiming a bronze medal in the Men’s U-23 Sabre individual event at the Commonwealth Fencing Championship 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria. The championship runs from 9 to 14 August.
Route to the podium
Laishram advanced to the semifinals following a determined run in the knockout rounds. His quarterfinal success came against Nigerian fencer Akinyosoye Oluwafolayemi, a victory that secured his place in the medal rounds. He was halted in the semifinal and therefore shared the bronze, as fencing awards joint bronze medals to both semifinal losers.
The Manipur athlete was part of a strong Indian contingent which performed well on the opening day of individual events. India collected 17 medals on that day — 4 gold, 4 silver and 9 bronze — and placed fencers on the podium across all six individual categories.
Indian dominance in Men’s Sabre
The Men’s Sabre category was particularly notable for India, which completed a clean sweep of the medals. Nikhil Wagh secured the gold, Lakshay Badser took silver and Laishram shared the bronze with Ashwini Arya. The result underlines India’s growing competitiveness in the sport at the Commonwealth level.
| Medal type | Count |
|---|---|
| Gold | 4 |
| Silver | 4 |
| Bronze | 9 |
| Total (opening day, individual events) | 17 |
Background and local significance
Laishram, the son of the late Laishram Basanta Singh, has been a familiar name on the national fencing circuit. He won gold at the 32nd Junior National Fencing Championship in 2024 and has been a regular competitor at national events. He is also listed among those selected for the 35th Senior National Fencing Championship, signalling his continued presence in India’s fencing plans.
For Manipur, a state with a strong sporting tradition across disciplines such as football, boxing and weightlifting, Laishram’s medal contributes to a growing record of international representation by athletes from the region. His affiliation with the Indian Army also reflects the service’s role in supporting sportspersons and providing them access to training and competition opportunities.
What this means for Indian fencing
India’s early haul of podium finishes in Lagos points to deeper bench strength and progress in the sport’s development pathways. Medals across multiple weapons suggest expanding talent rather than isolated success. In the Men’s Épée event, for example, Indian fencer Lokesh Vemani added a silver to the country’s tally, while other competitors secured bronze medals in various categories.
- Laishram’s bronze is a joint medal, awarded to both losing semifinalists in fencing.
- India reached the podium in all six individual events on the opening day.
- The Men’s Sabre event was swept by India: Nikhil Wagh (gold), Lakshay Badser (silver), and shared bronze for Laishram and Ashwini Arya.
The Commonwealth Fencing Championship offers exposure to higher-level international competition for young fencers. Performances here can influence selection, ranking and confidence as athletes prepare for continental and global meets.
Laishram’s result in Lagos will be followed closely at home by family, coaches and local sports bodies in Manipur. Given his track record at junior nationals and selection for senior national championships, the bronze in the U-23 Sabre category is likely to bolster his standing in national squads and selection committees.
Further rounds of the championship continue through 14 August and India’s contingent will aim to build on the positive start achieved in the opening individual events.
