Osvath aims for change in fortunes in Cheongju

By Saniya Surana and IWAS

Hungarian men’s foil A world champion Richard Osvath is hoping to continue his recent upturn in form at the 2019 International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) Wheelchair Fencing World Championships in Cheongju, South Korea, from 17-23 September.

At the start of 2019 Osvath missed the podium at World Cups in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and Pisa, Italy. However he returned to medal winning ways in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and most recently in Warsaw, Poland. The Hungarian left with two golds, this time in sabre, to add to his career haul.

Reflecting on his season so far Osvath said: “This year, I haven’t done my best, however I strongly focus on the upcoming World Championship to give my maximum.”

Osvath enters Cheongju 2019 as a Paralympic silver medallist in both foil and sabre. He also finished on the podium at the 2018 European Championships in both weapons.

The 34-year-old knows he has the potential to challenge for titles, as long as keeps improving his techniques.

“I shall strongly focus on the upcoming World Championships 2019 to give my maximum. There’s always something new to learn – that’s why I’m trying to improve for being the best.”

The 2019 Worlds are also a key qualifier for the next Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, in 2020.

Osvath is targeting gold in both sabre and foil, to give him a boost on his road to the Paralympics

“I also want to be a champion in Tokyo, the only goal I have in mind,” he said.  

The men’s category A is hugely competitive. Osvath is the world No.1 in both sabre and foil heading into Cheongju 2019, but fencers such as Ukraine’s Paralympic champion Andrii Demchuk could stand in his way.

But the Hungarian refused to give any clues as to who might keep him awake at night.

“There are so many good fencers in the field of foil and sabre. On purpose I don’t say any names, they will smell blood.”

The 2019 IWAS Wheelchair Fencing World Championships will feature men’s and women’s foil, epee and sabre in categories A, B and C. As well as the titles on offer, athletes will be able to secure points to improve their position in the rankings which will go towards qualification for Tokyo 2020.

Live results will be available here.