Martial Arts - Sport bulletin

Martial Arts

MARTIAL ARTS - Int News 27 Jul, 2023

MFN 12 sees exponential growth in watch time on Disney+Hotstar

Sports Bulletin ReportNew Delhi (India): Matrix Fight Night (MFN), India's biggest mixed-martial arts promotion, has already garnered massive reputation across the globe since its inception in 2019. Matrix Fight Night 12 which was held at the Noida Indoor Stadium on July 1st featuring MFN's first-ever all-female main event, saw exponential growth from the previous edition.MFN 12 featured Puja Tomar successfully defending her Strawweight Championship belt against Russia's Anastasia Feofanova, winning the intense main event bout via TKO due to corner stoppage after Anatasia broke her forearm. On the same show, 11 other thrilling fights enthralled the 9000-strong Noida crowd at the stadium that came to witness the live action.Moreover, the audience watching the show on Disney+Hotstar from the comfort of their homes, registered a significant increase of nearly 300 percent in watch time.Speaking on the success of the show, MFN co-founder Ms Ayesha Shroff said, "We always believed that India has the right set of audience to consume Mixed-martial arts and we are grateful for the tremendous response from our fans for MFN 12. This is just the beginning, and we are ready to create more magic in our upcoming editions this year."Krishna Shroff added, "The success of MFN 12 is a testament to the fact that our Indian audience are invested in the stories of our fighters, and are equally eager to watch the women fighters take centerstage. We are delighted with the response and we hope the MFN success stories continue in the editions to come."

MARTIAL ARTS - Int News 22 Jul, 2023

World Combat Games 2023: Countdown starts 90 days to go

Over 2,500 global competitors to gather in Riyadh, to showcase skills in 16 martial arts disciplinesSports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games official tournament is set to kick-off in 90 days (October 20 to 30, 2023) the multi-sport event of mixed martial arts, is the first of its kind to be held in the Middle East.Taking place at the Sports City King Saud University in Riyadh, over 2,500 athletes from more than 80 countries will take part in the World Combat Games which is already gathering strong interest from the international combat sports community.The Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games promises to be a spectacular showcase of skill and breathtaking courage. Fans around the world will be treated to 10 days of fierce competition with athletes demonstrating their prowess across 16 disciplines. The Riyadh 2023 tournament includes Aikido, Arm-wrestling, Boxing, Fencing, Judo, Jujitsu, Karate, Kendo, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Sambo, Savate, Sumo, Taekwondo, Wrestling, and Wushu.Not only will spectators be able to watch the action across the stadium, fans will be able to mingle and soak up the atmosphere in the Cultural Pavilion and Square between competitions. Keen to encourage sport at grassroots level, young fans will have the opportunity to strike a pose and try their hand, with trainers and competitors from the International Federations located in the exhibition zone.With only 90 days to go until the Championship opens in Riyadh, momentum is gathering as fight fans eagerly await to witness a contest like no other at the 2023 Riyadh World Combat Games.

MARTIAL ARTS - Int News 07 Jun, 2023

Two title bouts to take place in Noida Indoor Stadium on July 1

MMA fighter Angad Bisht to defend Flyweight title against Brazil's Hugo PaivaSports Bulletin ReportNew Delhi (India):-Mixed Martial Art (MMA) fighter Angad Bisht will defend his Flyweight title against Brazil's Hugo Paiva, as the India's biggest mixed-martial arts promotion, Matrix Fight Night, will return to the National Capital Region (NCR) once again with MFN 12 set to take place on July 1st at the Noida Indoor Stadium, Sector 21. It is pertinent to mention here that Bisht defeated Egypt's Mohamed Gamal for the Flyweight title at MFN 10 in November 2022. Also, India's highest-ranked female MMA fighter Puja Tomar will also defend her Strawweight title against Russia's Anastasia Feofanova. MMA fighter, Angad Bisht said:"I am ready for the fight as always. I have trained well over the past few months and retaining the prestigious MFN title has been my goal ever since the match-up was announced. I will give my all once again, but it will be a good fight against Brazil's Hugo Paiva, who is a tremendously skilled fighter as well. But I will have a few tricks up my sleeve." Brazil's Hugo Paiva said:"I am excited to come to India to win the MFN title. I have a strong opponent to face who has been unbeaten in his past couple of fights. But I have trained well with my team and we are confident that we will make an impact. My aim is not only to win the title, but also to entertain the fans." Ayesha Shroff, Co-Founder MFN, said:"Absolutely thrilled to share this exciting card with you all! MFN is poised for the next chapter and this is a fantastic step towards that announcement. Being my first time playing Matchmaker, I had a blast with this one. The fight card makes or breaks your show because at the end of the day, your fighters are the stars. They are the main characters people come to see. So there is a lot of expectation and pressure riding on them to put on exciting fights and perform.”“My job is to make that slightly easier and to help take the show a notch higher by putting together the best matchups between fighters who have the most interesting stylistic matchups, specifically. With 2 championship belts on the line, some huge names from the Indian combat world, and massive international talent from across the globe, MFN 12 promises to be next level." MATRIX FIGHT NIGHT 12 CARD: PRELIMS: LIGHTWEIGHT: Gurtej Singh (IND) vs Edukondal Rao (IND) STRAWWEIGHT: Sonam Zomba (IND) vs Jojo Rajkumari (IND) FEATHERWEIGHT: Dushyant Singh (IND) vs Anthony Syiem (IND) FLYWEIGHT: Aminder Bisht (IND) vs Akash (IND) MAIN CARD: BANTAMWEIGHT: Chungreng Koren (IND) vs Chaitanya Gavali (IND) FEATHERWEIGHT: Rahul Thapa (IND) vs Avizo Lanamai (IND) FEATHERWEIGHT: Shyamanand (IND) vs Mido Mohamed (EGY) LIGHTWEIGHT: Neeraj Panghal (IND) vs Digamber Singh Rawat (IND) LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: Pawan Maan (IND) vs Sandeep Dahiya (IND) FEATHERWEIGHT: Mochamed Machaev (AT) vs Khabibullo Azizov (TJ) TITLE FIGHTS: STRAWWEIGHT: Puja Tomar (IND) vs Anastasia Feofanova (RU) - Co Main Event FLYWEIGHT: Angad Bisht (IND) vs Hugo Paiva (BRA) - Main Event

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 06 Jun, 2023

Taekwondo Federation launches World Taekwondo Federation Care Program

Iram School & College Kahuta hosts program, former cricketer Mohammad Wasim inaugurates Abdul Jabbar FaisalKahuta:-Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) has launched the 1st World Taekwondo Federation Care Program, as the first program held at Iram Model School & College in Kahuta, Rawalpindi. The primary aim of the program is to raise awareness about self-defense and promote the global sport of Taekwondo among students from rural backgrounds in schools and colleges.Former cricketer and Chairman Selection Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohammad Wasim graced the occasion as a chief guest. Also, other political figures, sports personalities, parents of children, and other people from the local community participated in the ceremony. President PTF, Col (Retd) Wasim Ahmed Janjua was also present in the ceremony.Former cricketer, Mohammad Wasim said:“Cricket is the most popular sport in Pakistan and the role of young players is important in popularizing this game. There is no shortage of talent in Pakistan, I am happy to see the children's Taekwondo competitions and also encouraged that Pakistan's young talent is coming up in cricket as well as other sports.”“Children should focus on education first and besides, extra-curricular activities including sports should also be included in their own. Talents should be expressed, there are many cricketers including Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, and me who worked hard from a small area and made the country famous at the international level.”Iram Sikandar Janjua said:“The future of Pakistan is in the hands of these innocent children, our country is a reality. Besides a high standard of education, we provide opportunities for our kids in extra-curricular activities. We have got an affiliation with the federal board and we are trying our best to provide sports facilities to our students. Our institute is an icon of education in our territory. We will lift our standard up and up to educate our nation.”On this occasion, the principal, Iram School & College Iram Sikandar Janjua, president of PTF Colonel Wasim Ahmed Janjua International Coach Sadaqat Hussain, president, Kahota Press Club Raja Imran Zameer Janjua, Principal of Government College Professor Mohammad Shabbir Raja, prominent lawyer Raja Mohammad Sattarullah Sardar Imran, besides a large number of fans were present in the gathering.

MARTIAL ARTS - Judo 05 Jun, 2023

Judo News: Grand Prix Championship concludes in Dushanbe

Sports Bulletin ReportDushanbe (Tajikistan):-The Grand Prix Judo Championship Dushanbe 2023 has concluded, as the martial-art players enjoyed the game in Dushanbe during entertaining and wonderful competitions.Komronshokh Ustopiriyon vs Eldar AllakhverdievOpposite him to compete for gold, was Eldar Allakhverdiev (AIN). The first shido was given to Allakhverdiev for a false attack. Every single move of Ustopiriyon would initiate hoorahs from the audience, who came in even bigger numbers than on day two of the event. The second penalty was awarded to the local judoka. It is always amazing to see how a contest can go by so fast when you have such an atmosphere in the venue. There were already only 37 seconds left and one shido apiece and then golden score; it all seemed to come at a pace. After 33 seconds, the second penalty was given to Allakhverdiev.Ustopiriyon then had to escape, using his acrobatic skills, from a very dangerous situation. In doing so, he touched the leg of his opponent, receiving a second penalty. During the next exchange, Eldar Allakhverdiev dropped to his knees, while Komronshokh Ustopiriyon remained standing, tachi-waza was still totally valid. The Tajik judoka didn't let the opportunity vanish and launched an uchi-mata for waza-ari, immediately followed by a noisy ovation from the public. It was a third gold for Tajikistan.Final Results (-90 kg)1. USTOPIRIYON Komronshokh (TJK)2. ALLAKHVERDIEV Eldar (AIN)3. KLAMMERT David (CZE)3. HAJIYEV Eljan (AZE)5. GRIGORIAN Aram (UAE)5. MAMATRAKHIMOV Jakhongir (UZB)7. MADZHIDOV Dzhakhongir (TJK)7. MATIJASS Martin (GER)

MARTIAL ARTS - Judo 03 Jun, 2023

Olympian athlete Sabrina starts journey for K-2 expedition

Abdul Jabbar FaisalPhoto By: Ashan ShahzadISLAMABAD:-Austria's Judo Olympian athlete Sabrina Filzmoeser announced her journey for the K-2 expedition on a bicycle from the capital city of Islamabad on June 4, 2023, to K2 Base camp through Skardu before climbing K2.While addressing a media press conference here at a local hotel flanked by the president of Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) Junaid Alam and Austrian Consul Christine Segal she disclosed that she would ride on a bicycle from Islamabad to K2 Base camp through Skardu before climbing K2, as she would start her journey on June 4 from Islamabad.Sabrina Filzmoeser said that she was very happy to visit Pakistan. “Pakistan is a beautiful country where there is immense talent in Judo, I am very pleased to start the journey for K-2. She will start her journey from Islamabad to K-2 tomorrow.” Today she rode the cycle from Rawal Lake to Faisal Masjid to launch her quest.She further said that Judo was an attractive sport in Pakistan. “However, there is a need to promote the sport of judo all over the country, I will support the women athletes related to judo in Pakistan in every possible way, it is a dream to go to the backward areas of Pakistan and look for judo players, “she said.Olympics gold medalist, Sabrina Falzmoser said, “Tourism is not an easy hobby, many injuries are faced, and the Judo game teaches a person to live a disciplined life, I want to teach judo to children during my trip. I came to Pakistan for the first time. Yes, I have been hearing about the Karakoram here since childhood, I felt very good coming to Pakistan, these moments are memorable for me. I hope my trip will be a memorable one, I hope to complete my two missions by the end of July. International Judo Federation and Pakistan Judo Federation are supporting me fully, “she maintained.It is pertinent to mention that she conquered Mount Everest in 2022 in a similar style, she rode a bicycle in India, and Nepal from the seashore to Everest base camp to climb the highest peak of the world, and was carrying the International Judo Federation (IJF) project symbol "JUDO FOR PEACE". On her way, she met various Judo Clubs and also established a new Judo Club near the base camp of Mount Everest in Nepal with the support of IJF.During his Pakistan visit, she will visit local judo clubs on the way to her destination for the promotion of judo. On her return, she consented to impart training to judokas at Islamabad. It would be the first time that a Judo personality of this stature will be visiting Pakistan to give tips to male and female judo athletes.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 01 Jun, 2023

World Taekwondo Federation Care Program to start on Monday

Sports Bulletin ReportKahuta (June 1, 2023):-The 1st World Taekwondo Federation Care Program will be held on June 5, 2023 here under the banner of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) in with the collaboration of Iram Model School & College in Kahuta.According to an official of PTF, the World Taekwondo Federation Care Program is going to be commenced under the umbrella of PTF in collaboration with the World Taekwondo and Asian Development Foundation in rural areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunekawa (KPK).The opening ceremony of the program will take place on 5th June 2023 at 1030 am at Iram Model School and College in Kahuta. The primary aim of the program is to raise awareness about self-defense and promote the global sport of Taekwondo among students from rural backgrounds in schools and colleges.The program will be run for around 10 to 11 months and will be conducted in different locations in Punjab, KPK, and other remote areas. The Commissioner of Rawalpindi Division will be the chief guest in the opening ceremony. Also, representatives from government departments, different schools, and parents of participating students will attend the ceremony.

MARTIAL ARTS - Judo 01 Jun, 2023

Judo News: Four times Olympian Sabrina Filzmoser to visit Pakistan

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD:-Sabrina Filzmoser, a four times Olympian martial art athlete, who is also Chairperson of the World Judo Athletes Commission, and Climate Ambassador International Judo Federation (IJF) will visit Pakistan for a K2 expedition under the Judo for Peace program.According to an official of the Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF), she will arrive in the capital city Islamabad on Friday (Jun 2, 2023), and will ride on a bicycle from Islamabad to K2 Base camp through Skardu before climbing K2, as she will start her journey on June 4 from Islamabad.It is pertinent to mention that she conquered Mount Everest in 2022 in a similar style, she rode a bicycle in India, and Nepal from the seashore to Everest base camp to climb the highest peak of the world, and was carrying the International Judo Federation (IJF) project symbol "JUDO FOR PEACE". On her way, she met various Judo Clubs and also established a new Judo Club near the base camp of Mount Everest in Nepal with the support of IJF.During his Pakistan visit, she will visit local judo clubs on the way to her destination for the promotion of judo. On her return, she consented to impart training to judokas at Islamabad. It would be the first time that a Judo personality of this stature will be visiting Pakistan to give tips to male and female judo athletes. She will brief to media about her expedition at a local hotel on June 3, 2023.

MARTIAL ARTS - Judo 28 May, 2023

Judo News: Upper Austria Grand Prix 2023 concludes , Japan on top

Sports Bulletin ReportLinz (Austria):-Japan players won three top positions in the 3-day Upper Austria Grand Prix 2023 that concluded here on Saturday, as the 5 five categories in play: -90kg, -78kg, -100kg, +78kg and +100kg were held on last day. The five gold medals were therefore distributed to Hungary, Brazil, Germany, Czechia, and Japan.In the end, Japan tops the medal rankings, followed by Germany who had a third fantastic day and France. In total, 23 countries were on the podium and 34 have at least one athlete in the top 7.Final Results (+100 kg)1. KRPALEK Lukas (CZE)2. KONE Losseni (GER)3. MARINIC Enej (SLO)3. SNIPPE Jelle (NED)5. SIPOCZ Richard (HUN)5. TATAROGLU Ibrahim (TUR)7. FIZEL Marius (SVK)7. SZCZUROWSKI Kacper (POL)Final Results (+78kg):1. TAKAHASHI Ruri (JPN)2. TAVANO Asya (ITA)3. STEVENSON Karen (NED)3. SANTOS Giovanna (BRA)5. LUCHT Renee (GER)5. CERIC Larisa (BIH)7. BULAVINA Ruslana (UKR)7. HOELLWART Maria (AUT)

MARTIAL ARTS - Int News 27 May, 2023

Matrix Fight Night-12 on July 1 at the Noida Indoor Stadium

Co-founders Ayesha Shroff, Krishna Shroff divulge the story behind Matrix Fight NightSports Bulletin ReportNew Delhi (India):-The Matrix Fight Night-12 will be held on July 1, 2023 at the Noida Indoor Stadium, Sector 21, New Delhi India, as since its inception in 2019, Matrix Fight Night (MFN) has established itself as the biggest Mixed-Martial Arts (MMA) promotion in India."In 2017, MFN truly became an idea. I had been following the sport of MMA for about 20 years and for one of the weekends, I took my mother along with me," Krishna recalled. "She sat there and experienced a live fight for the first time and was totally blown away. We got back and she was like, 'we have to do this because we could do so much better'. I immediately jumped on board. My brother fully backed the idea and we became a dream team," she further added. Ayesha Shroff further recalled the moment when she witnessed her first live MMA fight. "Tiger had the opportunity to be a part of a MMA team. He was obligated to attend an event but he was caught up and asked me to go in his place. Watching the show, I was hooked for life. There was nothing more exciting than watching a live fight.” For the Shroff family, the decision to go into the MMA route was a tough one, especially with cricket, football, and kabaddi seeing massive fan engagement in the country from sporting fans. To invest in a cricket or a football franchise or a league would have been a simpler path to follow. But the rebel streak in the mother-daughter duo kept them on the unexpected journey. "MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world but in India it has been an uphill struggle. Even after 11 shows, I still get asked the difference between MMA and WWE. If I was doing cricket, I would have people signing me blank checks. Here, we have to work show-to-show to get ourselves sponsors," Ayesha Shroff said.Krishna said:"Dad (Jackie Shroff) also did not understand the sport at first and it took him a couple of years to truly grasp the technicality of the sport and the vision. Now he is completely on board and supports us 100 percent. He even wakes up every Sunday at 7 AM to watch all the UFC fights and has become a fan of the sport." For the MFN co-founders, one of the critical reasons for starting MFN was to provide a platform for the Indian fighters who did not have ample opportunities to showcase their talent on a global scale. And now, as MFN enters its 12th edition, the MFN promoters are moving on with the same vision. "It never was a vanity project for us. The intention was always to give the Indian fighters what they truly deserve. The intention continues after 11 editions of MFN. All our focus is to get them to the next level," Ayesha Shroff said. "I have so much respect for these athletes. More than the physicality, it's their mental strength that really intrigues me. It is a blessing to be around these guys so up close and personal and feed off of that. It motivates me," Krishna added. The 12th edition of MFN is set to take place on July 1st at the Noida Indoor Stadium, Sector 21, and promises another cracking show. "MMA is a mind game. I believe to be an MMA fighter, you need to have a little extra. It takes a very special kind of person to get into the cage and have the door locked behind you, face your opponent and get into a beautiful and technical fight," Ayesha Shroff signed off.