Kavin Kopperunko becomes first Indian to win IMMAF Asian Championship Gold

12 December 2023

Making history for Team India, 12-year-old Kavin Kopperunko emerged as the nation’s first-ever IMMAF Asian Youth MMA Champion.

The Indian fighter achieved the medal in the Youth C 37 KG category and secured two wins in his bracket. Kavin got a bye in the first round and was pitted up against Zaid Alsulaiteen of Kuwait in the semi-finals.

Kavin, who trains out of Combat Kinetics in Chennai got a decision win in the semi-finals to confirm a silver medal and was then scheduled to face Firuzjon Amrdinzoda in the finals for the Gold Medal.

Firuzjon, who was representing Tajikistan was outclassed by the 12-year-old Indian who swept the scorecard 30-27 to take home a decision victory and make history for his nation.

Interestingly, this is not the first IMMAF medal for Kavin. Earlier, he had proved his talent at the IMMAF Youth World Championship as well where he had secured a Bronze Medal in the Youth C 37 KG Category.

With plenty of years ahead of him, Kavin is bound to be a strong talent to watch out for when it comes to Indian MMA.