Asian Games 2026: Older, Wiser, Wong Adds Individual Bronze to Asian Games Haul

Wong and her family and coach after securing individual foil bronze. Photo: SNOC/ Terence Tan

National foil fencer Maxine Wong will have to make room for a second Asian Games medal on her bookshelf where her 2018 team bronze is prominently displayed for all to see.

“When we got the team bronze, we were still very young. It was my first major Games, and we got a medal. Maybe we didn't realise the weight of it. But now, the third Asian Games, there’s undeniably more pressure.”

“We are older now, and there are more expectations, but today I tried to shut all that out and focus on one match at a time.”

Her exploits at the Aichi Sky Expo made her the most bemedalled Singaporean fencer at the Games and helped the team record its best-ever haul, after Kiria Tikanah’s silver in the individual women’s epee a day earlier.

“I didn't even realise that. I'm amazed that I have that honour… I just hope that we can continue to keep up the good work and we will see in the team event,” she said, with Amita Berthier, Stephanie Lee and Cheung Kemei set to join her in the women’s foil team event on Saturday (Sep 26).

Feeling “touched and grateful” at clinching her first individual bronze on her third appearance, Wong also thanked the vocal support from her family and teammates cheering in the stands.

“My parents and sisters coming here is really special. The last time they were all able to make it for an overseas competition was the 2018 Asian Games, so it’s really special to have them here,” Wong said, calling them her lucky charms, having been present both times she won a medal.

“The Singaporean crowd was also just as loud (as the Japanese). I could hear their voices among all the Japanese fans cheering,” she said, regarding her semi-final bout against home favourite Yuka Ueno.

She also extended her gratitude to coach Simon Senft, who was watching and encouraging her from back home, and coach Oleg Matseichuk, who was guiding her from the sidelines.

“The preparation leading up to the Games with coach Oleg and Simon really played a big role in my performance at these Games.”

Wong and coach Oleg during the day's competition. Photo: SNOC/ Terence Tan

Wong’s route to the podium was far from easy, having to beat 2022 bronze medallist Daphne Chan of Hong Kong and defending champion Huang Qianqian of China to reach the semi-finals where she fell to reigning world championship bronze medallist Yuka Ueno.

“Ueno is someone I have known since young because we are the same age, but before the match, coach Oleg (Matseichuk) was in my box, and we strategised about what we could do in the match, and some of them worked. So for the points that I scored, they were what he asked me to do,” the 25-year-old said.

“Overall, she's still the better fencer, and like physically and in terms of speed and strength, she's still stronger. Of course, I hoped to be able to go further. But I'm very happy about the result.”

Wong reached the quarterfinals of the individual event eight years ago in Indonesia before exiting in the last 16 in Hangzhou in 2023.

But the 25-year-old played out of her skin to dispatch Janna Allysah Catantan of the Philippines 15-2 in the round of 32 before recording a first-ever victory over Huang, winning 12-10.

She then guaranteed a spot on the podium when she overcame Chan 15-6 in the quarterfinals.

“I fenced Huang at the Asian championships in June, and I lost. Going into that bout, I stayed calm. Coach Oleg said something funny. He said, ‘Just do the opposite of what you did in the Asian champs.’ And it worked.”

And so, Wong made it count when it mattered, with the victory over the Hong Kong fencer after losing to her in the morning’s pool stage.

With Singapore set to host the 2027 FIE (International Fencing Federation) Senior Women’s Foil World Cup next January, the first FIE event of this tier to grace the Republic’s shores, Wong said: “That's the first time ever for us, so that's a huge honour… All the foreign players will come, and more Singaporeans can fence. I feel like this achievement will help to boost the confidence of Singapore fencing.”

Berthier during her round of 16 match with the Volobueva. Photo: SNOC/ Terence Tan

Two-time Olympian Berthier was also in action on Wednesday, winning four of her five pool bouts to receive a bye into the last 16.

Up against Uzbekistan’s eventual bronze medallist Polina Volobueva, Berthier led for a majority of the match but was eventually defeated 15-14.

The 20th Asian Games are held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.