In a historic development for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), it has officially been included as a medal event in the upcoming Asian Youth Games (AYG) 2025 and Asian Games 2026, organized under the aegis of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). As part of the build-up to this major milestone, the first-ever Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA) Youth Championship was recently held in Bahrain. Recognized by the OCA, AMMA hosted this championship as the official qualifiers for the Asian Youth Games 2025. India fielded a team of four youth athletes, all of whom delivered commendable performances: All four fighters qualified in the top five in their respective categories. Two athletes secured bronze medals, earning a spot in the top three. All qualified athletes will now go on to represent India at AYG 2025. Four Indian officials were a part of the judges and referees team at this event. This is a significant achievement not just for the athletes but also for Indian MMA as a whole. It highlights the rising standards and international competitiveness of India’s young talent in this fast-growing sport. “Youth fighters are the future of Indian MMA. With proper training and guidance, they have the potential to become global champions, ” said a spokesperson from the Mixed Martial Arts Sport Federation of India (MMA-SFI). MMA-SFI is the sole recognized governing body for MMA in India, affiliated with both AMMA and GAMMA (Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts). The sport’s growing visibility and inclusion in prestigious multi-sport events are expected to drive greater awareness and participation across the country, paving the way for a new generation of Indian MMA champions.