Maharashtra Emerges on Top at Seventh MMA India National Championship

23 May 2024

The MMA India National Championship, held from May 8 to May 12, 2024, witnessed a record-breaking participation of 613 fighters representing 28 States and Union Territories across India. The championship unfolded across three cages at the Balbir Singh Juneja Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, marking a significant milestone for MMA in the country.

The tournament commenced with an Anti-Doping Seminar on the opening day, followed by the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the MMA India Federation. Led by NADA Officials from Delhi, the two-hour seminar saw the participation of 500 athletes and coaches, focusing on the importance of clean sportsmanship.

Action inside the cage commenced on May 9, featuring categories for Youth, Junior, and Senior divisions across the three cages. The thrilling competition culminated with the finals on May 12, showcasing the finest talents in Indian MMA.

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Maharashtra emerged as the top-performing state in the final standings, securing 17 Gold, 1 Silver, and 12 Bronze medals. Jammu & Kashmir claimed the 1st Runners Up position with 11 Gold, 12 Silver, and 3 Bronze medals, followed by the host state Chhattisgarh as 2nd Runners Up with 8 Gold, 15 Silver, and 22 Bronze medals.

Beyond the cage, the MMA India Award Night honored outstanding athletes across various categories, including Best Coach, Best National & International Official, Host State, Upcoming State, Best State, Youth Development, Women Empowerment, Global Ambassador, Silver Shield, Serving the Nation, Secretary Award, and President Excellency Award. Each recipient was presented with a unique 50-gram silver medal featuring the MMA India and International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) logos.

The championship's opening ceremony was graced by the Sports Minister Mr. Tank Ram Varma of Chhattisgarh State, while the closing ceremony was hosted by Mr. Manmohan Singh, a member of the Ministry Council, signifying the government's support and recognition of MMA in India.