In an exhilarating showcase of skill, strength, and sportsmanship, the Tatya Tope Stadium in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, witnessed the grand spectacle of the Third Indian Open Mixed Martial Arts Championship. The three-day event, held from August 25th to August 27th, marked a historic moment for the capital city as it hosted this electrifying competition for the very first time. With participants from 32 states and the collaborative efforts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the championship displayed the incredible growth of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in India.
The host state, Madhya Pradesh, emerged as the undisputed champion, securing an impressive haul of 12 gold, 09 silver, and 21 bronze medals. Chhattisgarh clinched the second position, with 10 gold, 09 silver, and 10 bronze medals, closely followed by Telangana, which secured the third spot with 10 gold, 09 silver, and 04 bronze medals. Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir also showcased their mettle, securing the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, amid fierce competition.
The championship not only celebrated the prowess of these athletes but also emphasized the growing popularity of MMA worldwide. With over 450 million fans globally, MMA has established itself as the fastest-growing sport. In India, the National Mixed Martial Arts Federation of India oversees the sport’s growth and development.
The opening ceremony, graced by Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Minister Mr. Vishwas Sarang, Mayor of Bhopal Mrs. Malti Rai, and Mr. PC Sharma, MLA of Bhopal South West, set the tone for an action-packed extravaganza. Mr. Sharma, expressing his awe for the sport’s intensity, highlighted the need for more such events to be organized in the region.
The event’s patron, Mr. Devendra Pratap Singh Tomar, President of Madhya Pradesh MMA Association and Vice President of Indian MMA Association, encouraged the youth to actively participate in sports. The structural patron, Mr. Santosh Chopra, underscored the significance of combat sports for the community. Mr. Prabal Pratap Singh Tomar, Chairman of the organizing committee, echoed the sentiment and emphasized the event’s role in promoting the MMA sport.
The championship’s success was the result of collective efforts by a dedicated team of organizers, including Mr. Vikas Sharma, Mr. Nitin Singh, and Dr. Divya Khare, among others. Their commitment ensured that participants had access to top-notch facilities, enhancing the overall experience of the competition.
Santosh Chopra and Dr. LN Malviya, patrons of the program, highlighted the game’s benefits for men and women alike. Dr. Malviya’s media insights shed light on India’s rising success in MMA and his commitment to further popularize the sport in the country.
Looking ahead, the excitement continues, as Mr. Vikas Sharma, Secretary of Madhya Pradesh MMA, announced a grand MMA event to be held later in the year in either Bhopal or Indore.
As the curtains closed on this monumental championship, the reverberations of passion, determination, and camaraderie among the participants echoed, signaling a bright future for MMA in India. The Third Indian Open Mixed Martial Arts Championship not only celebrated athleticism but also marked a significant step toward making the sport a household name across the nation.
