EOC President Janez Kocijančič took part in the celebrations of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) 105^thAnniversary, which were held in Paris yesterday, 9 December.

Representing the Olympic movement of Europe, Kocijančič was amongst the honourable guests celebrating 105 years since FIE foundation at the Grand Palais in the French capital.

The ceremony took place following FIE annual congress titled “Fencing is our Future”, which gathered representatives from 135 federations, as well as FIE Commissions, Councils and Executive Committee members.

“We have many achievements to be proud of,” FIE President Alisher Usmanov (RUS) said. “We have ensured that all 12 fencing disciplines will be part of the Olympic program. It is one of the most important points in the history of fencing.”

Usmanov also stressed he wants the sport to be seen as one of the most modern and innovative at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This year’s World Championships in Chinese city Wuxi saw fencers battle on a huge LED-screen stage, which displayed the athletes’ names as well as the score. It was the first time the technology had been used and allowed fans to better engage with the action.

At this year’s Congress, the FIE also ratified a new as a new member nation: the federation of American Samoa, taking thetotal number to 153.

Finally, the world ranking leaders were honoured while fair play awards were presented to Christian Bauer (FRA), Marco Fichera (ITA) and Katharine Holmes (USA).