UC San Diego celebrated a significant achievement at the Men's National Collegiate Fencing Championships, with both Nurzhan Abzhanov and Sunny Sharma earning Honorable Mention All-American honors in epee. Sharma concluded his senior season with a ninth-place finish, while freshman Abzhanov secured the 12th position. Their accolades contribute to a historic season for the Tritons, now featuring three All-American fencers, matching the program's second-highest record. The 2026 championships marked the first time individual fencer results contributed to separate team national championships for men and women.

By the Numbers
  • Sharma achieved a 14-9 overall record, with 10 bouts decided by a single touch.
  • Abzhanov finished with an 11-12 record after winning 7 out of 9 bouts on the first day.
Yes, But

While the achievement is commendable, competing at the national level poses challenges, including high-pressure bouts and the variability of performance. Both athletes have shown growth, as evidenced by Sharma's improvement from 21st to 9th place, yet maintaining consistency against top-level competitors remains a concern for future events.

State of Play
  • UC San Diego's women's team finished in 16th place, and the men's team was 17th at the championships.
  • Separate team championships for men and women were introduced for the first time this year.
What's Next

Looking ahead, both Abzhanov and Sharma aim to build on their performances as they continue their collegiate careers. Abzhanov, a freshman, will have multiple years to improve, while Sharma's next steps as a graduate will shape his future in fencing.

Bottom Line

This achievement underscores UC San Diego's growing stature in collegiate fencing. With multiple All-Americans in a single season, the program is set for continued success, highlighting the strength and potential of its athletes on a national stage.