2023 IMMAF World Championship: Vridhi Kumari secures sole medal for Team India

30 November 2023

In a series of intense battles at the IMMAF World Championship 2023 in Albania, Indian fighters demonstrated their resilience, securing noteworthy victories and battling their way through challenging matchups.

Varun Sanyal's Dominance: India's Varun Sanyal made a significant impact, securing two victories against formidable opponents Liam Schultze from South Africa and Pedro Calembela from Angola. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the quarterfinals, where he faced a tough challenge from Ze Machado of Portugal, resulting in a loss for the Indian contender.

Mixed Outcomes for Santosh Yadav: Santosh Yadav contributed to India's campaign with a Unanimous Decision win against Krystian Kowalczyk of Poland. However, his journey in the championship took a turn with a subsequent loss to Oleksandr of Ukraine, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the competition.

Challenges Faced by Zarmawia and Pranesh Phanse: Zarmawia and Pranesh Phanse faced formidable opponents, experiencing setbacks in their respective fights. Despite their best efforts, they encountered challenges that prevented them from securing victories in their matchups.

Vridhi Kumari's Silver Medal Triumph: India's Vridhi Kumari emerged as a standout performer, fighting her way to the Gold Medal bout in the Atomweight category. With a bye in the first round, Vridhi showcased exceptional skills and determination. Ultimately, she settled for the Silver Medal after a closely contested battle that ended in a second-round submission loss against Jimena Osorio of Uruguay.

Controversial Stoppage but Medal Glory: Vridhi Kumari's journey was not without controversy, as a questionable stoppage in the second round raised concerns. Despite the Indian fighter's immediate protest and video evidence showing no clear tap, the decision stood. This marks Vridhi's second IMMAF World Championship medal, adding a Silver to her previous Bronze secured in 2021.

As the Indian contingent returns home, the fighters' efforts and achievements at the 2023 IMMAF World Championship serve as a testament to their dedication and the growing prowess of Indian MMA on the global stage.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LockerRoom India (@lockerroom_in)