GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's Olympic fencing champion Lei Sheng on Saturday applauded China's city of Wuxi for winning the bid to host the 2018 Fencing World Championship.

International Fencing Federation (FIE) announced on their general assembly in Guangzhou on Saturday that Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, will host the 2018 World Fencing Championship .

Lei Sheng, first ever gold medalist for the Chinese men's foil in 2012 Olympics, hailed the success of Wuxi, saying that the Championship will greatly promote the fencing in China.

"I have participated the World championships for almost 10 times, which were all held in Europe. Now it will come to China. It is a great thing for both fencing and China."

Lei, 31, said that he still has the ambition to compete in 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

"I want to defend my gold in 2016, also the Chinese have the hope to win the team event in Rio," added Lei.