Singaporean fencer Kiria Tikanah has clinched her second Olympic Games appearance after a tense final bout at the Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament in Fujairah, UAE. In a gripping match, the 23-year-old secured victory in the women’s epee final by defeating India’s Taniksha Khatri with a score of 15-13.
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The Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament in Fujairah saw Kiria Tikanah’s remarkable journey to securing her second Olympics appearance. Her final victory against Taniksha Khatri was not only a testament to her skill but also marked a thrilling moment with her opponent’s second red card leading to Kiria’s decisive win. Along the way, Kiria showcased her prowess by defeating Hanniel Abella from the Philippines and Amarzaya Batsaikhan from Mongolia in the earlier rounds.
Ranked 64th globally, Kiria had previously debuted at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Expressing her excitement about qualifying for the Paris Olympics, Kiria also acknowledged the increased dedication and hard work that lie ahead in her training and preparation for the prestigious event.
Kiria Tikanah’s qualification marks a significant achievement, making her the second Singaporean fencer to secure a place at the Paris Olympics, following Amita Berthier’s confirmation last month. Kiria expressed relief after the intense competition, highlighting the pressure and stress she faced throughout the day. Her victory was crucial, as she needed to win her event to secure her spot at the Games.
Amita Berthier, aged 23, earned her Olympic qualification by finishing joint 20th in the women’s foil event at the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Grand Prix held in Washington on Mar 17. These achievements underscore Singapore’s growing presence and success in the international fencing arena.
Kiria Tikanah joins a prestigious group of Singaporean athletes who have secured their spots at the Paris Olympics. Among them are the reigning Asian Games 200m champion Shanti Pereira, kitefoiler Max Maeder, and the formidable women’s 4x100m medley swim team consisting of Quah Ting Wen, Quah Jing Wen, Letitia Sim, and Levinia Sim.
Adding to Singapore’s Olympic presence, kayaker Stephenie Chen recently qualified after clinching third place in the women’s K1 500m final at the ACC Canoe Sprint & Paracanoe Asian Championships. Similarly, rower Saiyidah Aisyah solidified her place in Paris by competing in the women’s 2,000m lightweight single sculls at the Asian and Oceania Continental Qualification Regatta in Chungju, South Korea. These achievements showcase Singapore’s growing strength across various sporting disciplines on the international stage.
