Indian MMA fighter Afshan Fathima rises from secrecy to global success

Afshan Fathima never planned to make history. But at the 2024 IMMAF World MMA Championships in Tashkent, the 24-year-old fighter from Anna Nagar, Chennai, did just that claiming a silver medal and becoming the first Indian woman to win three consecutive bouts at the global tournament.

Her journey began in 2020, during her third year at Hindustan University, when she joined Combat Kinetics under coach Ajit Sigamani. Drawn to martial arts by childhood wrestling sessions with her uncle, Fathima secretly trained while navigating the constraints of a conservative Muslim household leaving home in a burqa, training in silence, and returning without a trace.

“I trained secretly until I proved myself through medals,” she said.

An eight-time national champion, Fathima has completely dominated the domestic circuit, cleaning out her division in India with unmatched consistency and grit. Despite financial and societal hurdles including saving exam fees to fund training and constant questions about marriage—she remained relentless. Her daily routine included five to six hours of intense training focused on strength, conditioning, and technique.

In Tashkent, she fought four matches more than any other woman in the tournament defeating Ireland’s Lisa Murtagh via guillotine choke and edging out two-time world champion Matilda Bachurina of Kazakhstan by split decision. Even after an accidental headbutt left her bruised, Fathima pressed on to the final, where she narrowly lost to Spain’s Isabel Calvo.

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Beyond the cage, Fathima advocates for MMA recognition in Tamil Nadu, citing its roots in traditional martial arts like tharkappu kalai and varma kalai. “Martial arts is in our blood,” she told The Times of India. She also urges women to embrace self-defense: “Technique can overcome strength.”

Now ranked #65 in Eurasia with a 4–2 amateur record, Fathima has set her sights on the Asian Games and dreams of hearing India’s anthem from the podium.

“No excuses,” she says. “Own your path with conviction.”