LAHORE: The first-ever Asian Championship of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) started in Pakistan’s Lahore city on Sunday, marking a historic moment for the country’s sporting landscape.
The Championship features 23 teams from across Asia, including nations such as India, Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The event is set to showcase a variety of MMA competitions, with eleven teams competing in the Brave Combat series and twelve teams participating in the Asian Championship competitions.
The opening match has generated significant excitement, pitting Indian fighter Shrikant against Pakistani fighter Rizwan Ali.
The Championship, which will run over the coming days, has attracted over 180 fighters, along with 120 officials and 120 technical staff. The event promises to deliver a high level of competition and sporting excellence.
Rana Mashhood, Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Program, was the chief guest for the opening ceremony.
Umar Ahmed, President of the Pakistan MMA Federation, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the Asian Championship. “We are thrilled to host the Asian Championship for the first time in Pakistan. We are committed to providing exceptional hospitality to all participating teams, including our friends from India,” Ahmed stated.
The Championship represents a significant milestone for MMA in Pakistan, providing a platform for local fighters to compete on an international stage and demonstrating the country’s growing commitment to the sport.