With no support from the state, the fighters have to struggle a lot. There is no proper MMA training complex and KMMAC has been managing the training regime in a rented accommodation at Nongmeibung Wangkheirakpam Leikai, says Chairman of KMMAC-7Clan Fighters Meiraba.
TFM Report by Keisham Donny
Kanglei Mixed Martial Arts Club- 7 Clan Fighters (KMMAC-7Clan) on Tuesday drew the attention of the state government into the plight of the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) players of Manipur.
Speaking at a press meet held at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, Ayam Meiraba Khuman, Chairman of KMMAC-7Clan Fighters , pointed out that KMMAC has been organising a series of MMA event in the state under the banner ‘Chainaba’ with participation from national and international players.
Ayam Meiraba also highlighted the long list of unappreciated medals and achievements brought by the fighters of the club. Khaidem Homeshwori (Best Female MMA Pro Fighter of the year 2022 under MMAFI), Laishram Rohan (Gold Medalist),Thongram Nelson (Gold Medalist), Sonali Kongkham (Gold Medalist), Sonali Kongkham (Gold Medalist), Rohit Wahengbam (Silver Medalist), Maibam Michel (Bronze Medalist), BG Warningam (Bronze Medalist), Ringkonmee Witenthinbou are some of the prodigies of the club who recently participated and brought laurels for the state in the recently concluded MMAFI Combat Sports Festival held at Mumbai from 15 to 18 December 2022.
“However, the road to glory and medals was not a cup of tea. With no support from the state, the fighters have to struggle a lot in every sphere. There is still not yet a proper MMA training complex and KMMAC has been managing the training regime in a rented accommodation at Nongmeibung Wangkheirakpam Leikai,” Meiraba mentioned. Lauding N Biren Singh’s War on Drug Campaign, Meiraba opined it must go hand in hand with an effective sports policy for MMA so that youth of Manipur can build a fit and resilient society.
To reiterate, Frank Nandeibam, Coach of KMMAC who is training 39 players under him at the moment appealed the state government to look into the issues faced by the MMA lovers of Manipur seriously. He lamented that at least the young players who have brought laurels for the state deserved some sort of appreciation. “At the moment MMA is a booming sports industry both at the national and international arenas. So, it is high time that the state government must give proper attention so that we can train more fighters who will bring medals for the state,” Frank concluded.