China is working hard to increase access to fencing, according to the vice-president of the International Fencing Federation.
In an interview at the ongoing World Fencing Championships in Wuxi, Donald Anthony compared the current status of fencing in China to what it was like 10 years ago.
"I've heard the number of fencers here has increased from 5,000 to 250,000 over the past 10 years," said Anthony, who represented the US at two senior world championships.
"It's historic. A lot of young people and adults are drawn to fencing athletes, collecting their autographs, seeing the actual stars competing. These kinds of things show China's increasing accessibility to the sport," he told Xinhua.
"Fencing historically has been an elite, aristocratic type of sport. Just by its nature, it wasn't open to the public very much, but what China is doing is inviting more people to check it out."
He said another way to make fencing more accessible is by cultivating public understanding of the sport.
"There are more amateurs, students, and youths taking part in fencing, which will build new understanding that will benefit their academic pursuits," Anthony said.
Speaking of his favorite Chinese fencers at this competition, he added: "I am always impressed with the women's epee team, but what has really been a breakthrough is the women's sabre team, which performed amazingly well this time.
"Wuxi has done a fantastic job hosting this competition."
