Sangram Singh Faces Abid Ali for Asia Champion Title
Indian wrestling star and Mixed Martial Arts icon Sangram Singh has expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness ahead of his Asia Champion Title match against Pakistan's Abid Ali, scheduled for July 19 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The fighter stated that his single objective is to raise the Indian tricolour on the international stage.
The official pre-fight press conference was held at The Lalit, New Delhi, in the presence of Sangram Singh, President of PMMA Malaysia Ismail Marzuki Bin, CEO Mohammed Hakim Bin Lukman Abdullah, and other officials. Speaking to ANI, Sangram said, "Preparations have been underway. A contest against Pakistan is always extremely challenging. Both teams play at their best and try not to lose against each other. It is a high-pressure match. I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness."
Mind Games and Preparation
Sangram revealed that the fight occupies his mind completely, saying, "Ali hi ghoom raha hai mind mein" (The fight with Ali is occupying my mind). He added, "Ali ghoom raha hai mind mein, jab fight hogi, result aayegya tab niklega" (The fight against Ali is occupying my mind, it will only get out once the fight happens and the result comes).
Addressing potential mind games from the opponent, Sangram noted, "They use such intense sledging, abuse, and remarks that you would be shocked. They play mind games differently. Even referees do not see it; instead, they give us the warning. On handshake, the management will decide. I prepare myself for these scenarios. I hope this fight achieves something positive and inspires the youth."
Sangram's Unbeaten MMA Record
A two-time Commonwealth Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, Sangram has an unbeaten 3-0 professional MMA record. He made a sensational debut by defeating Pakistan's Ali Raza Nasir in Georgia in just 90 seconds, followed by victories over Tunisia's Hakim Trabelsi in the Netherlands and France's Florian Coudier in Argentina. His victory in Argentina made him the first Indian to win a professional MMA bout on Argentine soil.
Beyond the cage, Sangram serves as a Fit India Icon under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and is Brand Ambassador for the Swachh Bharat & Viksit Bharat Campaigns by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. His international MMA campaign has received support from Fit India and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Statements from Officials and Coach
Addressing the media, Sangram said, "Every time I step into the cage, I do not just fight for myself; I fight for 145 crore Indians. India versus Pakistan is always special, irrespective of the sport, and I fully understand the emotions attached to this contest. I have trained with complete discipline and respect for my opponent, but once the cage closes, my only mission will be to ensure that the Indian flag flies high."
Deputy Director General of the Sports Authority of India, Mayank Srivastava, praised Sangram, saying, "Sangram Singh embodies the values that Indian sport seeks to promote--discipline, resilience, determination and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His transition from an accomplished wrestler to an unbeaten professional MMA athlete is an inspiring example of what dedication and hard work can achieve."
Reflecting on his journey, Sangram added, "People questioned my decision to start MMA after the age of 40, but I wanted to prove that passion has no age limit. My aim is not just to win titles but also to inspire young Indians to embrace fitness, discipline and sports as a way of life."
His coach Bhupesh Kumar expressed full confidence, stating, "Sangram has left no stone unturned in his preparation. His wrestling background, improved striking, conditioning and mental toughness have all evolved tremendously over the last two years. We respect Abid Ali, but Sangram is fully prepared to deliver another memorable performance for India."
Praise from Malaysian Officials
President of PMMA Malaysia, Ismail Marzuki Bin, praised the growing stature of Asian combat sports: "The Asia Champion Title represents the future of mixed martial arts in Asia. India and Pakistan have passionate sporting cultures, and this contest will showcase the tremendous talent emerging from the region."
PMMA CEO Mohammed Hakim Bin Lukman Abdullah said the event symbolises unity through sport: "Combat sports have the unique ability to unite nations through respect, discipline and competition. We are confident this championship will become one of Asia's premier MMA properties."
The organisers stated that the Asia Champion Title Fight is expected to be one of the biggest India-Pakistan combat sports contests in recent years, providing Asian fighters with an international platform to showcase their talent.
