Alisher Usmanov re-elected as FIE President at the 2021 Election Congress in Lausanne
Entrepreneur and philanthropist, founder of the USM holding Alisher Usmanov was re-elected for a fourth term as President of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) during the electoral congress in Lausanne, Switzerland. Usmanov, a former saber fencer, was first elected president in 2008. Prior to that, he served as President of the Russian Fencing Federation and the European Fencing Confederation.
“It is a great honor for me to be re-elected to the post of FIE President, having received the support of our international fencing family,” Usmanov said. – Fencing as a global sport is stronger today than ever. Our support programs around the world have contributed to its dynamic development and its growth in popularity as one of the main Olympic disciplines. ”
He noted that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was an important milestone and a great success for fencing. “For the first time, the maximum number of awards was played. This event marked the tremendous work and commitment of the international fencing community to our sport, as well as universal recognition of the key role of our sport in the Olympic movement. I am absolutely confident in the bright future of fencing also because today we have thousands of juniors and cadets, professional coaches and experienced champions, referees, employees of the FIE and associated federations, volunteers who love and develop our sport. Our joint efforts and involvement are the key to the success of fencers in high-level sports competitions in the future, ”he emphasized.
Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, noted that Alisher Usmanov played an important role in the development of fencing around the world. “I am confident that under his leadership this wonderful Olympic sport will continue to develop further,” he added.
As part of the 2021 Election Congress, delegates elected members of the FIE Executive Committee, as well as various FIE commissions until 2024 year.
The FIE Election Congress was supposed to take place in 2020, but was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.