With Mixed Martial Arts making its debut at next year’s Asian Games in Japan, in a significant development, six Indians have qualified for the MMA events at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain (October 22 to 31). The competition is backed by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) with the Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA) being officially recognised by them.

Shriya Satam, Mohammad Damir Almeez, Ishan Vyas, Veer Bhadu, Shaurya Gandhi and Yash Muthal have qualified for the AYG through their performances at the inaugural AMMA Youth Championship which was held in Bahrain earlier this year. “Our youth fighters are the future of Indian MMA and potential medallists for India at upcoming events, including the Asian Games,” said MMA Sport Federation of India President Nikhil Kunder.