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A Weekend of Fencing, Friendship and Firsts

The 2025 edition of the EFC U14 Fencing Festival concluded on a high note in Istanbul, where over 400 young fencers gathered for two unforgettable days of competition, celebration, and cultural exchange. Held from 28 to 29 June, the festival brought together Europe’s most promising athletes not older than 14 years, turning the city into a hub of sporting energy and international spirit.

Set against the backdrop of the Bosphorus, the festival confirmed its growing role as a key event in the EFC calendar. According to EFC President Pascal Tesch, the atmosphere in Istanbul was remarkable. He noted that all the national delegations he spoke to were enthusiastic about the event’s concept — not only as a unique experience for young athletes but also as a valuable platform for developing young referees. The festival thus affirmed its dual role as both a competition and a developmental step for the entire fencing community.

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Spotlight on the Champions

In the Men’s Épée, Hungary’s Daniel Jecsi emerged victorious after a tough day of competition that saw 72 fencers take to the piste. He was joined on the podium by Toprak Bulakeri of Turkey, who earned silver, and the two bronze medallists: Emanuele Cuculi of Italy and Hungary’s Edmond Wentzel.

In the Women’s Épée, Turkey celebrated a home victory with Defne Caner taking gold in a field of 84 participants — the largest of the weekend. She was followed by Lili Laskawy of Hungary in second place, while Marie Moll from Germany and Hungary’s Lizett Pluhar shared the bronze medals.

Bulgaria’s Ivaylo Andonov claimed gold in the Men’s Sabre, a category that featured 63 young fencers. Semi Mermutluoglu of Turkey took silver, with Stelica Petre of Romania and Ben Schmierer of Germany completing the podium.

The Women’s Sabre event was a proud moment for the host nation as Defne Salman captured another gold for Turkey. She was followed by Bianca Morello of Italy in silver position, while Timea Rus and Luisa Paulsen, both from Germany, claimed bronze.

Italy’s Geremia Napolitano topped the Men’s Foil, overcoming Sweden’s Jonathan Lingjue Kong, who earned silver. Evan Felici of Italy and Dominik Juras of Lithuania secured bronze medals in this category, which featured 71 participants.

Finally, in the Women’s Foil, Poland dominated the field with Alicja Gatz and Julia Ząbkowska taking gold and silver respectively. The two bronze medals went to Beril Demir of Turkey and Carlota Brito of Germany, capping off a weekend of high-level competition among the 77 athletes in this weapon.

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Girls Lead the Way in Participation

An interesting trend emerged in this year’s edition: female fencers outnumbered boys in every weapon, highlighting a strong and growing interest in fencing among girls across Europe. 

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A Festival That Builds the Future

Throughout the weekend, the EFC U14 Festival in Istanbul created space for learning, exchange, and shared experiences — for athletes, coaches, referees, and families alike. As the final touches were made and medals awarded, the message was clear: the next generation of European fencing is strong, united, and ready for more. Istanbul 2025 has left a lasting mark — not just in results, but in the memories made, the friendships forged, and the passion ignited in young hearts.

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Relive the moments from Istanbul on our official Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/eurofencing

Full results and event details are available at:
https://www.fencingtimelive.com/tournaments/eventSchedule/5E78872E28D04367964EE7BC61E4245D#today