New Delhi: She earned a gold medal for India as a wrestler, and although she eventually moved on to a different sport — Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) — the trailblazer that Ritu Phogat is, she transitioned from dreaming about medals to pursuing belts. However, with MMA set to make its debut at the 2026 Asian Games, Phogat is once again envisioning representing India and securing a medal.

The 2016 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, now 31 years old, is contracted with ONE Championship, one of Asia’s premier MMA promotions. After taking time off from the sport to focus on being a mother, she faced a defeat in her latest match against Ayaka Miura. With MMA’s entry in the Asian Games, she’s targeting a return on the continental stage in Aichi-Nagoya.

“This is very exciting news for all MMA athletes, myself included,” Phogat shared with HT. “The government ought to establish a federation, conduct trials promptly, and offer the finest training to those who are chosen. ”

She notes that MMA is still in its infancy in India and suffers from inadequate training facilities. “We lack proper training resources in India, but I am optimistic that we can soon provide world-class amenities for our athletes,” she expressed.

The lack of a unified national governing body is not a new issue in Indian sports. Similar to taekwondo, volleyball, and basketball, MMA is burdened with power disputes among various federations. In India, fighters compete under different banners such as MMA India, the Federation of MMA India (FMMAI), and the All India MMA Federation (AIMMAF) — each vying to become the recognized governing body.

Siddharth Singh, India’s pioneering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and a distinguished MMA coach, has observed how this internal conflict impacts athletes at the Crosstrain academy. Until recently, fighters linked to one federation were prohibited from competing in events hosted by rival organizations.

“It’s the athletes who are affected,” Singh remarked. “They’re caught between federations, being told they can’t participate in this national event or that one, or that they’ll be banned. ”

Nevertheless, Singh is hopeful that the sport’s inclusion in the Asian Games could serve as a critical juncture — both for athletes and for the outlook on MMA in Indian culture. “Now that there’s an opportunity to represent India at a multi-sport event, parents may finally recognize a future in it beyond leagues like the UFC,” he noted. “Eventually, one federation will rise to the forefront — I just wish it’s the appropriate one. Historically, we’ve seen poor governance undermine promising sports. ”

The Asian MMA Association (AMMA) will supervise the competition in collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), but the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has yet to formally acknowledge a single governing entity.

While at least three federations have sought recognition from the IOA, Singh proposes a more straightforward solution — creating an independent entity to conduct national trials and send India’s top fighters to the Games. This is preferable to having no representation whatsoever in the sport’s inaugural appearance.

Roshni John, a silver medalist at the 2024 GAMMA World Championship, believes that the Asian Games will enhance the visibility of the sport. “I train alongside incredibly skilled fighters who’ve already made a name internationally, yet they still find it challenging to secure sponsors. Inclusion in the Games could alter that. It could finally provide MMA with the recognition and backing it rightfully needs,” she stated.

Phogat concurs. “So far, there have been no awards, no government support, no employment opportunities. However, winning a medal at the Games could transform everything. Young athletes would feel as though they will be acknowledged and rewarded, similar to how it is in wrestling. That kind of encouragement once benefited me. It will benefit MMA fighters as well. ”

Even if Phogat does not get the chance to compete herself, she is pleased to be part of an expanding framework. “I’m glad to be here, whether it’s to represent or to guide those who come after. ”

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