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Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Ritu Phogat has urged the government to support the sport, which she represents while playing for India. Last week, a historic announcement confirmed MMA’s debut in the 2026 Asian Games. The distinguished Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) divulged that six medals will be contested in the sport, which is scheduled to happen in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026. In the previous edition of Asian Games, held in Hangzhou in 2023, India bagged 107 medals, concluding fourth on the medal tally, following China (383), Japan (188), and South Korea (190).
MMA has attained massive popularity in the last few years and its inclusion in the Asian Games can diminish the huge gap with the continent's powerhouses. With the latest development, Ritu has expressed joy but also looked concerned over lack of support to MMA fighters by the government. She also revealed fighters pay for their training from their own pockets. “It feels really good that MMA is finally in the Asian Games but now the government needs to step in, and sponsors must come forward. Currently, there are no awards for Indian athletes, no government support, we fund our own training,” Phogat remarked.
Ritu Phogat has shown faith in government
Ritu, who comes from the eminent families of wrestlers, has shown belief in the government and has urged the authorities to start the selection process for the marquee competition as soon as possible so that they can get trained for the event. “I really hope the government takes quick action to form a proper federation that supports athletes. And they should begin the selection process quickly so that selected athletes can get proper training," added Ritu.
The 31-year-old also revealed that India doesn’t have a proper training center and quality coaches so that the selected players will be required to be sent abroad to acquire stellar quality of training for the illustrious tournament. "Right now, India doesn't have a proper training centre or good coaches. So they should be sent abroad where there are better facilities to prepare for the Asian Games," said the star MMA fighter.
