BETTIAH, Nov. 1 -- The State-Level Inter-Divisional School Fencing Championship 2026 concluded in Bettiah, West Champaran, on Saturday, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport among Bihar's students. Participants from both government and CBSE-affiliated schools are increasingly looking beyond traditional sports like cricket and football, with aspirations of winning medals, securing government jobs, and representing India at the Olympics, officials said. On Saturday, the Khel Bhawan in Bettiah transformed into a competitive arena for the state fencing championship. Athletes from across the region faced off in high-speed matches, demonstrating sharp reflexes and technical accuracy throughout the day's proceedings. Yugraj, a resident of Patna district who won a gold medal under 17 category of foil event, said, "Today, the sport culture is receiving a facelift with a slew of promotion coming from the state government. India is looking forward to host the Olympics in 2036 and my dream is to represent our country there." For Abhishek Kumar, an Under-14 epee gold medalist from a West Champaran village, fencing is a strategic career choice. "I chose this sport with a professional approach to secure a government job," he said, citing the Bihar government's "Medal Lao, Naukri Pao" (Bring a medal, get a job) scheme as a key motivator. Other young participants view fencing as an untapped opportunity. They compare the sport with the cricket and football circuits, which have "cut-throat competition," and see fencing as a more promising path to success....