Future champions: Republican tournament among young MMA athletes

A Republican tournament among young athletes was held in the Sports Complex of the 20th anniversary of Independence in Dushanbe from May 19 to 21.

The event was organized by the TAJMMAF Federation of Mixed Amateur Martial Arts, which was able to break the record for the number of participants - more than 620 athletes.

The tournament was divided into several age categories: 10-11 years old, 12-13 years old, 14-15 years old and 16-17 years old.

For the first time in history, children in the age category of 10-11 years participated, which immediately attracted a large number of participants - more than 100 children.

65 teams from all regions of Tajikistan took part in the Republican tournament. All the winners were awarded with memorable gifts.

Such a large number of participants in the tournament among young athletes is a huge success for the TAJMMAF Federation and evidence that the love of sports in Tajikistan is only growing.

This tournament was also attended by the first fighter from Tajikistan who participated on the UFC world stage - Nurullo Aliyev and Azam Gafurov, who seconded and supported their wards throughout the championship.

Their support and encouragement undoubtedly played a significant role in motivating young athletes to perform better.

Also present at the tournament was the Head of the TAJMMAF Mixed Martial Arts Federation, First Vice President of the Asian MMA Federation Davron Juraev, who throughout the tournament watched all participants and identified for himself the best fighters who, after intensive training, will be able to perform on the international stage.

After the successful completion of the Republican tournament, the winners who won prizes will begin intensive training. The training process will take place twice a day to prepare athletes as much as possible for the World Cup in Abu Dhabi, which will be held on August 2-5 this year and will bring together teenagers from 12 to 17 years old from all over the world.

Such an emphasis on the development of MMA and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle is also being made because MMA may soon become one of the Olympic sports.

According to the president of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, MMA may enter the program of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as an exhibition sport.

By this year, the Tajik national team will be even more prepared, with more experience and will be able to raise the country's flag at the most prestigious sports competitions in the world – the Olympic Games.