Safiya cherishes Commonwealth Games fencing experience
Gr 11 learner at Northern Muslim School, Safiya Khan-Patel won four matches at the recent Commonwealth Games and was ranked 10th out of 38 fencers in the epee individual event.
POLOKWANE – A Gr 11 learner at Northern Muslim School, Safiya Khan-Patel says she will always cherish the experience she honed from the Commonwealth Fencing Championship.
Safiya formed part of the South African fencing team that participated in the prestigious event in August.
She competed with other top fencers from Australia, England, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland and Singapore in sabre, foil and epee events.
She says even though she did not win any medals, she is proud of the strides she made.
“I competed in the women’s epee individual event with 38 fencers from various countries and I was able to win four matches. Those victories improved my rankings because I was ranked 10th out of 38 fencers. Due to my high ranking I was allowed to pass the first round of eliminations and I made it to the round of 32 where I was knocked out by a Canadian fencer who took gold in the team stages. The experience has been amazing. I learned a lot from other fencers, how they use their speed, strength and defence.”
She says her dream is to be part of the South African fencing team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I would love to be part of the team. I need to keep on working hard and perform well in national events.”
