(President)
Nikhil Kunder brings over 19 years of experience in the fitness industry and holds an MBA in Marketing. He has been actively involved in Mixed Martial Arts since 2014 and has contributed significantly to the sport’s development at both competitive and grassroots levels in India.
As a coach, he has consistently produced national champions, with many of his athletes going on to compete at prestigious international events. Known for his structured and disciplined approach, he focuses on long-term athlete development and building strong, well-prepared fight teams. Nikhil is deeply committed to supporting grassroots MMA. He has created pathways for young, aspiring fighters from across the country to access quality training and competition opportunities. His work has helped shape a more organised and sustainable MMA ecosystem in India. Outside the sport, he runs a facility management company founded in 2016, which employs over 900 people across Maharashtra. Through his work, both in business and sport, Nikhil remains focused on developing talent and strengthening the foundation of Indian MMA.
(General Secretary)
Mr. Jitendra Khare is one of the most respected figures in Indian mixed martial arts with a long-standing commitment to the sport’s development at both national and international levels. He has played a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape of Indian MMA through his work as a coach and educator.
Mr. Khare has served as the Indian National MMA Team Coach at multiple world and Asian championships leading athletes to podium finishes while representing the country on some of the sport’s biggest platforms. In addition to his coaching achievements, he serves as a technical director and educator at several major MMA events across Asia and beyond. He is a certified international referee and judge under AMMA and GAMMA and is widely recognized for his technical expertise and leadership in officiating. Mr. Khare also holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt (3 stripes) under Professor Robert Tan (Singapore) further cementing his well-rounded credentials. He is the founder of Evolution Combat Sports Academy, India’s first dedicated MMA training center established in 2010. Through Team Relentless which is another initiative he founded, Mr. Khare has mentored numerous athletes who have gone on to represent India and win medals at prestigious international events. His work at both grassroots and elite levels continues to shape the future of Indian MMA.
(Vice President and Legal Head)
Mr. Rutu Pawar is a practicing advocate with substantial experience in civil, commercial and criminal litigation. He regularly appears before the Bombay High Court as well as various judicial and quasi-judicial forums representing clients across a broad range of legal matters.
Known for his strategic approach and clarity in legal argumentation, he is skilled in managing all stages of litigation from advisory and drafting to final arguments. Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Pawar provides legal counsel on real estate transactions, contracts and regulatory compliance, offering organizations a clear, solution-oriented legal perspective. As the Legal Head and Vice President of MMA-SFI, he brings this expertise to the forefront of sports governance ensuring that the federation operates with legal integrity and institutional strength. A strong advocate for athlete welfare, Mr. Pawar is actively involved in the fitness and sports community with a deep interest in promoting Mixed Martial Arts in India. His commitment to fair play, structured growth and athlete-centric policy continues to drive MMA-SFI’s mission to build a robust and transparent ecosystem for the sport.
Treasurer
Mr. Pranav Chatre is an experienced business strategist with over 20 years in the education, wellness and green energy sectors. He has held global leadership roles and brings strong operational and financial insight to his role as Treasurer of MMA-SFI.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Mumbai University and an MA in Yoga and is currently pursuing a PhD in Yoga from JJT University. His diverse academic and professional background allows him to blend structure with a wellness-driven approach to sports administration. Passionate about holistic development, Mr. Chatre actively promotes wellness and accountability within the MMA community, supporting the federation’s long-term vision for athlete growth and organizational strength.
(Jt. Secretary)
Mr. Rahul Chavan is a seasoned marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in brand development, event production and strategic partnerships. With a strong track record of executing high-impact campaigns he brings valuable promotional insight to his role as Joint Secretary of MMA-SFI.
He has led successful collaborations across industries using his expertise to enhance visibility and build meaningful engagement. His ability to align strategic goals with creative execution makes him a key contributor to the federation’s growth and outreach. A national medalist in two MMA championships and winner at two open tournaments, Rahul. Chavan actively trains in Mixed Martial Arts. His background as a competitive athlete allows him to merge professional skill with deep sporting insight, ensuring athlete-first planning and execution.
