From Getting Bullied in School to Tormenting Opponents: Assam's MMA Hero Shines Bright for India

Arshad Ali, hailing from Guwahati, Assam, clinched a bronze medal in the 60kg Traditional MMA event at the 2nd Asian MMA Championship 2024 held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from July 11 to July 13. His victory marked a significant milestone for him personally and for Indian MMA, as he became the first athlete from Assam and Northeast India to be selected for the 7th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games (AIMAG).

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‘It was the best day of my life’: Arshad

Reflecting on his monumental achievement, 26-year-old Arshad expressed his overwhelming emotions. "It was an unforgettable moment. It was the best day of my life because bringing a medal for India is a huge thing for me. A very precious day that I will never forget, my first medal for India," he shared. 

Arshad's journey to the podium was not without challenges, the biggest being adapting to a new environment in Cambodia and competing against the local favorites. "There was a big crowd in Cambodia, and they were all cheering for the local players, so playing in front of them was a big challenge for me."

Arshad also highlighted the differences between the MMA cultures in India and abroad, emphasizing the need for greater support and recognition for Indian athletes. "In India, the MMA scene still needs a lot of growing. They train at a very high level and their view towards the sport is very different from ours. We need that kind of perception for MMA in India. Even the government needs to step up in terms of supporting MMA athletes," he stated. 

Despite the federation's support, he had to bear many expenses on his own, receiving no assistance from the local government in Assam.

Looking ahead, Arshad is focused on recovering from injuries and preparing for AIMAG. "Currently, I am resting due to some injuries. I will start training again after recovering. Of course, I am hoping to bring gold. I have seen all the fighters there and I will definitely try and win gold," he said confidently.

Arshad's journey into MMA began as a means to overcome bullying during his school and college days. "I was bullied badly in school and college. After getting bullied for so long, I decided to take up MMA. I slowly developed an interest in it and became confident. I decided to try my hands in a few tournaments and started playing championships," he recounted. 

His determination and progress in the sport have been remarkable, with aspirations to go professional and compete in the UFC someday. His role models include legends like Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

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As the first athlete from Assam and Northeast India to be selected for AIMAG in MMA, Arshad hopes to inspire others from his region. "Nothing is impossible. If you try sincerely, you can achieve anything in life. MMA is an art, and with the right mindset, it becomes manageable. If you give your 100 percent, you will surely see 100 percent results," he advised aspiring fighters.