A historic moment for Russian fencing.

On July 27, 2026, in Hong Kong, he reached the final of the individual tournament and defeated the 2024 Olympic champion, South Korea's Do Gyeong-dong, with a score of 15:7. Confidently, toughly, like a seasoned pro. As if behind him were not junior successes, but a dozen senior titles.

This is not just gold. This is the first medal for Russian fencers at international competitions after the International Fencing Federation returned our right to compete under our own flag and anthem in early June. For the first time since 2022, the tricolor was raised and the Russian anthem played in the World Championship hall.

Graudyn is a representative of the new generation. Until recently, he was known mainly from junior tournaments. Silver at the Junior World Championship, gold at the Junior European Championship, bronze at the senior European Championship 2025 in the team event. And today—world champion. At 19 years old.

For Russian sabre fencing, this is an event of special significance. The last time Russia took individual gold at the World Championship in this discipline was in 2015 (Alexey Yakimenko). Eleven years of waiting. And now—a breakthrough.

As an expert, I will say directly: this is no accident. Behind this victory are years of systematic work by coaches, the federation, and the athlete himself. When you are 19 and already able to control a final against an Olympic champion so firmly—that speaks to character and class.

Russian fencing has returned. Not just "allowed back," but returned with gold. And Pavel Graudyn is the one who put that exclamation point on it. Brightly, convincingly, and right on time.

Congratulations to the champion. And to the whole team. This is only the beginning.