NEW DELHI: Last week, a landmark announcement confirmed that Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) will make its debut at the 2026 Asian Games.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) revealed that six medal events will be contested in MMA, which will take place in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4 next year.
India clinched 107 medals, its best-ever, during the Hangzhou Asian Games, finishing fourth on the medals tally, behind China (383 medals), Japan (188), and South Korea (190).
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!MMA, with its growing popularity and competitive potential, could play a role in reducing the mammoth gap with those Asian powerhouses. But, as of now, it’s far from a level playing field.
"It feels really good that MMA is finally in the Asian Games. But now the government needs to step in, and sponsors must come forward. Currently, there are no awards for Indian athletes, no government support, we fund our own training," Indian MMA star Ritu Phogat said.
The issue goes far beyond just money, awards, or support. Currently, India lacks a federation to govern MMA, a sport that blends multiple combat disciplines.
While several bodies exist, such as MMA India, the Mixed Martial Arts Federation of India (MMAFI), and the Federation of MMA India (FMMAI), none are officially recognised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
"I really hope the government takes quick action to form a proper federation that supports athletes. And they should begin the selection process quickly so that selected athletes can get proper training," Ritu added. "Right now, India doesn't have a proper training centre or good coaches. So they should be sent abroad where there are better facilities to prepare for the Asian Games."
Coming from a family with deep wrestling roots, Ritu Phogat, the youngest daughter of Mahavir Singh Phogat and a gold medallist at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship, switched to MMA after being inspired by videos of legendary fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.
But her journey in the hexagon has not been easy.
"It’s been full of ups and downs, struggles, and it still is because there’s no proper centre for MMA in India. Now I have a one-year-old baby, so I have to think about where to train, how to manage time, and the expenses of living, eating, and training," the 31-year-old said.
Her wrestling background, nevertheless, has been an asset. "Wrestling gives you an advantage in MMA, controlling your opponent on the ground, takedowns, etc. That really helped me," she explained.
Echoing Ritu’s concerns is Puja Tomar, the first Indian to win a fight in the UFC. A top-level athlete may need to spend Rs 1.5-2 lakh per month to stay competitive.
"MMA really requires a lot of money. For example, when I was doing Wushu, the government covered all my expenses," she said.
"So if you have a background in boxing or something similar, then it's manageable. But if you're starting MMA directly from zero, then financially it becomes very difficult. However, if you have a background in boxing, Wushu, or wrestling, then somehow you manage to survive."
ALSO READ:
'My parents didn't want another girl, they left me to die': First Indian to win UFC fight Puja TomarWith just over a year to go for the 2026 Asian Games, the ticking of the clock has begun. Without a structured support system in place, India’s MMA athletes risk being left behind, potentially costing the country’s medal hopes.