Exclusive | ‘No help from the government, no award, no support’: MMA 2026 Sparks in Asian Games serious concern. MMA News
New Delhi: Last week, a historic announcement confirmed that mixed martial arts (MMA) would make its debut at the 2026 Asian Games.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) revealed that six medal programs would be contested in MMA, which will be held in Achi and Nagoya, Japan from 19 September to 4 October next year.
India won 107 medals, its best, best, China (383 medals), Japan (188), and South Korea (190) during the Hangzo Asian Games finished fourth on Tally.
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The MMA, with its growing popularity and competitive ability, can play a role in reducing the huge gap with those Asian powerhouses. But, so far, it is far from a level playground.
“It really feels that the MMA is finally in the Asian Games. But now the government needs to step into, and the sponsors will have to come forward. Currently, there are no awards for Indian athletes, no government support, we give funds to our training,” said Indian MMA star Ritu Phogat.
This issue only goes far beyond money, award or support. Currently, India has a federation deficiency to operate MMA, a sport that mixes many fighter subjects.
While many bodies exist, such as MMA India, Mixed Martial Arts Federation of India (MMAFI), and Federation of MMA India (FMMAI), no one is officially recognized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
“I really hope that the government takes quick action to create a proper federation that supports athletes. And they should start the selection process quickly so that the selected athletes can get proper training,” Ritu said. “Right now, India does not have a proper training center or good coaches. So they should be sent abroad where there are better facilities for the preparation of the Asian Games.”
Coming from a family with deep wrestling roots, Mahavir Singh Phogat’s youngest daughter and a gold medalist at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship, Ritu Phogat, turned into an MMA after being inspired by the video of Ritu Phogat, mythical fighter Khabib Noormagomegomdov.
But his journey in Hexagon has not been easy.
The 31-year-old said, “This ups and downs are filled with struggles, and it is still because there is no appropriate center for MMA in India. Now I have a one-year-old child, so I have to think where I have to train, manage time, and about living, eating and training expenses,” said 31-year-old.
His wrestling background, nevertheless, has been a property. “Wrestling gives you an advantage in MMA, controls your opponent on the ground, Tekdown, etc., who really helped me,” he explained.
Ritu’s concerns echo Pooja TomarThe first Indian to win a fight in UFC. A top level athlete may require spending Rs 1.5-2 lakh per month to remain competitive.
“MMA really requires a lot of money. For example, when I was doing Wushu, the government covered all my expenses,” he said.
“So if you have a background in boxing or something similar, it is manageable. But if you are starting the MMA directly from zero, it becomes very difficult financially. However, if you have a background in boxing, wushu, or wrestling, you somehow manage to survive.”
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With just a year of time to go for the 2026 Asian Games, the clock tick has begun. Without a structured support system in place, India’s MMA athletes are being left behind, possibly the cost of the country’s medal expectations.
