The road to the Rio de Janeiro 2026 Junior and Cadet World Championships now stretches across four continents, as the sport’s leading young fencers prepare for their respective zonal championships—each a critical step towards April’s global stage in Rio de Janeiro.
This week in Africa, the continent’s best juniors meet in Dakar, Senegal (from 16 February 2026) for the African Junior Championships, a vital proving ground for emerging talents determined to announce themselves on the international stage.
Europe’s junior elite will gather in Tbilisi, Georgia (24–27 February 2026) —traditionally one of the deepest and most demanding events on the international calendar. With powerhouse nations throughout the field, podium places in Tbilisi will signal genuine medal potential heading into the World Championships.
At the same time, Asia’s rising stars will compete in Jakarta, Indonesia (24–27 February 2026) at the Asian Junior Championships. The Asian zone continues to produce world-class talent across all three weapons, and strong performances there frequently translate into success in April.
The Pan American region will showcase its depth in Bogotá, Colombia (from 26 February 2026) at the Pan American Junior Championships, where athletes from across North, Central, and South America will compete for zonal titles and crucial momentum ahead of April.
For juniors, these events serve as a decisive benchmark—an opportunity to measure form, sharpen tactics, and build confidence before the Junior and Cadet World Championships.
As February unfolds across four zones, new names will emerge while established contenders aim to reinforce their status. The message is unmistakable: the journey to Rio begins—and is defined—at zonals.