Promising player Shankar Pandey of Madhya Pradesh State Fencing Academy will represent the Indian team at the World Cup. The world cup will be played  in Kazan City, Russia from March19 to 21.

Shankar Pandey has been selected for the World Cup on the basis of ranking by the Fencing Association of India for his outstanding performance in national fencing competitions. Shankar Pandey will perform fencing in Fencing's EP event.

He has won the gold medal for the countryShankar Pandey of a very simple family set a goal of pursuing a career in fencing by entering the Fencing Academy in the year 2014. His father Lakshman Pandey works as a 'cook'. His dream is to represent the country in the Asian and Olympics and to win the medal and bring laurels to the country and the state.

Shankar Pandey said, "My goal is to win a medal for the country and make my parents' dreams come true and for this I am playing wholeheartedly."

Facing Academy instructor Bhupendra Singh said that Shankar Pandey is a very hard working, talented and passionate player who plays with dedication. His passion in sports will pave the way for his success.

Shankar Pandey gave the country a gold medal at the Commonwealth Junior / Cadet Facing Championships held in England in the year 2018. Shankar has given 14 medals, including one gold, 7 silver and 6 bronze, to Madhya Pradesh in various national fencing competitions. He has earned 16 medals including 12 gold, two silver and two bronze in state level facing competitions.

State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia has expressed happiness over the selection of Shankar Pandey in the World Cup Indian fencing team. She praised Shankar Pandey's performance and said that it is the result of the high level sports facilities that the players are getting that our players are performing brilliantly and bringing laurels to Madhya Pradesh at the international level. She congratulated Shankar Pandey for his best performance in the World Cup and wished him well.

Director Sports and Youth Welfare Pawan Jain said that Shankar Pandey is the second player of the Academy after Fencing Academy player Khushi Dabhade who has been selected for the World Cup. It is a matter of pride for Madhya Pradesh with the double success of Fencing Academy.

He informed that sportspersons of ordinary families are doing better in sports competitions and increasing the value of the state by winning medals.