Jackson Wang returns to his sporting roots as FIE names Global Ambassador ahead of LA28

HONG KONG – Before selling out stadiums around the world and becoming one of Asia's biggest music stars, Jackson Wang was known for something entirely different, his skill with a sabre. Now, the Hong Kong born singer, entrepreneur and former elite fencer has reunited with the sport that first shaped his competitive spirit after being appointed the inaugural Global Ambassador for the International Fencing Federation (FIE).

The announcement was made during the 2026 FIE Senior World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong, where Wang signed the partnership agreement in front of athletes, officials and fans, marking a significant moment for the Olympic sport as it seeks to broaden its global reach ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

For Wang, the appointment represents a homecoming. Long before his rise to international fame as a member of GOT7 and later as a successful solo artist and founder of TEAM WANG, he was one of Hong Kong's brightest fencing prospects.

Trained by his father, a former member of China's national fencing team, Wang became the Asian Junior Sabre champion, ranked number one in Asia in the Under 17 category and represented Hong Kong at the Youth Olympic Games before deciding to pursue a career in music. Those experiences instilled the discipline, resilience and determination that he says have remained with him throughout his career.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Wang described the opportunity as "coming full circle", saying he hopes to inspire more young people to discover fencing and experience everything the sport has to offer. The FIE believes Wang's influence extends well beyond entertainment. With a global fan base numbering in the hundreds of millions across social media, his appointment is expected to introduce fencing to audiences that traditionally have had little exposure to the sport, particularly younger generations across Asia and beyond.

FIE Executive Vice President Donald Anthony Jr. said Wang's connection to fencing made him an authentic ambassador rather than simply a celebrity endorsement. He described Wang as "part of our fencing family", noting that his personal experience in the sport gives him a genuine understanding of its values and traditions. Including the "Blue Carpet Treatment". 

Images from the event showed Wang greeting young fencers, posing with officials and spending time with athletes and fans, reinforcing the federation's ambition to make fencing more accessible and visible on the world stage.

The appointment comes at a pivotal time for fencing. While the sport enjoys strong traditions in Europe and parts of Asia, the FIE has been investing heavily in digital engagement, youth participation and global promotion to build momentum towards LA28. Having someone whose career bridges elite sport, global entertainment and entrepreneurship is viewed as a unique opportunity to expand fencing's profile beyond its traditional audience.

Unlike many celebrity ambassadors, Wang's appointment carries added credibility because of his competitive achievements before entering the entertainment industry. His story resonates with young athletes who often face difficult choices between sporting ambitions and other career opportunities, demonstrating that the values developed through sport can continue to shape success long after competition ends.

For Hong Kong, the announcement also represents a moment of pride, with one of the city's most recognisable international figures once again championing the sport where his journey first began. As fencing prepares for a new Olympic cycle, the partnership signals a fresh chapter for the sport, blending athletic excellence with global cultural influence and giving one of Asia's biggest stars the opportunity to inspire the next generation of fencers around the world.