In fencing, a contest between two fencers is known as a:

In fencing, a single contest between two fencers is called a "bout". A series of bouts, for example between teams, is called a "match".

How a fencing bout works:

Fencers compete on a long, narrow strip called the "piste", which is 14 m long and 1.5-2 m wide.

Points ("touches" or "hits") are scored by touching the opponent with the weapon on the valid target area. Hits are recorded electronically through wires attached to the fencers' clothing and weapons.

In individual direct-elimination bouts, the first fencer to score 15 hits wins, within three periods of three minutes each. In the pool (group) stage, bouts are to 5 hits.

The referee starts the action with the commands "En garde" (on guard), "Prêts?" (ready?) and "Allez!" (go!), and stops it with "Halte!" (halt). The French terms are used because modern fencing developed in France.

The three weapons:

• Foil: a light thrusting weapon; the target is the torso only; "right of way" rules apply.
• Épée: a heavier thrusting weapon; the whole body is the target; no right of way, and both fencers can score at the same time.
• Sabre: a cutting and thrusting weapon; the target is everything above the waist, including the head and arms; right of way applies.

Fencing at the Olympics:

• Fencing has been part of every modern Olympic Games since 1896.
• The world governing body is the FIE (Fédération Internationale d'Escrime), founded in 1913 in Paris.

India and fencing:

• A. Bhavani Devi from Tamil Nadu became the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics, competing in the sabre event at Tokyo 2020, where she won her first-round bout.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Round is a term used in boxing and wrestling.
• ✗Rally is a term used in badminton, table tennis and tennis.
• ✗Heat is a qualifying race in athletics or swimming.