Khalifa Al-Omari wins Saudi Arabia’s first world fencing medal

Saudi national fencing team athlete Khalifa Al-Omari achieved a historic milestone by winning the bronze medal in the épée at the World Fencing Championships (senior category), which concluded today in Hong Kong. This marks Saudi Arabia’s first-ever medal at the World Fencing Championships and makes the Kingdom only the second Arab country, after Egypt, to win a men’s world medal in the sport.

Al-Omari advanced to the round of 32 after defeating Luxembourg’s Flavio Gianotti in the round of 64, followed by a victory over South Korea’s Hyunmin Jang in the round of 32. He continued his strong performance by overcoming Italy’s Simone Mencarelli in the round of 16.

In the quarterfinals, Al-Omari scored a notable win against Japan’s Koki Kano, the Paris Olympic champion and three-time Olympic medalist, securing at least a bronze medal. Al-Omari’s tournament run ended in the semifinals against Switzerland’s Lucas Malcotti.

Praise from the Saudi Fencing Federation

President of the Saudi Fencing Federation, Dr. Wasim Al-Hassan, said this achievement marks a significant milestone for Saudi fencing and reflects the results of the strong support the sports sector receives in the Kingdom.

Al-Hassan added that the World Championship bronze is Al-Omari’s third major achievement in a year, following his silver at the Gulf Games and bronze at the Islamic Solidarity Games. He expressed the federation’s ambition to continue raising the Kingdom’s flag at continental and international events.