Is Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Sangram Singh Ready for His Second MMA Competition in Poland?

New Delhi, Sep 3 (NationPress) Fit India Icon and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Sangram Singh has announced his eagerly awaited return to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), confirming his participation in the upcoming international tournament in Poland within the 83-90 kg weight class.

The 40-year-old sportsman, recognized as the world's first fighter to engage in MMA at 40, made history as the first Indian male wrestler to secure victory in an international MMA match. He continues to challenge age-related stereotypes in professional combat sports.

Singh's MMA debut at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, where he triumphed over a Pakistani competitor in just 90 seconds, placed him among the elite fighters globally who have successfully transitioned to MMA later in their careers. His accomplishment underscores that athletic excellence has no age limit.

"Age is merely a number when your spirit refuses to surrender," Singh remarked during his training. "When I entered that octagon in Georgia at 40, facing an opponent 17 years my junior, I wasn't just fighting for myself – I was fighting to inspire everyone in their 20s, 30s, and 40s that their time is still ahead. This tournament in Poland is just the beginning of my journey, not the end."

The journey of this Rohtak-born athlete resonates deeply with individuals across generations. Singh's transformation from relying on a wheelchair due to an early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis to achieving international success in MMA embodies the true essence of the Fit India movement, which he proudly champions.

"My vegetarian lifestyle is not a limitation – it's my superpower," Singh emphasized, addressing the misconceptions surrounding plant-based diets in combat sports.

"Every lentil, every vegetable, and each morning's ghee and ashwagandha not only strengthens my muscles but also fuels my mission to demonstrate that Indian traditions can excel on the global stage."

Singh's forthcoming MMA competition in Poland symbolizes much more than personal success; it's a guiding light for the global sports community. His story particularly resonates with young athletes who often feel pressured by arbitrary age milestones.

"I encounter 25-year-olds who believe their athletic aspirations are over because they haven't achieved 'success' yet. I want them to witness me, at 40, stepping into the cage in Poland, and realize that their journey is just beginning," Singh shared. "Whether you're an aspiring wrestler in Punjab, a boxer in Mumbai, or an MMA enthusiast anywhere globally, remember – your calling has no expiration date."

The impact of the Commonwealth Champion extends beyond Indian borders, inspiring international athletes to rethink their relationship with age and athletic performance. His vegetarian approach to combat sports nutrition is garnering attention from sports scientists and dietitians worldwide, challenging conventional meat-centered training diets.

"When millions of young sports enthusiasts witness my competition in Poland, I want them to see potential, not limitations," Singh emphasized. "I hope that 20-year-old who thinks he's too old to start boxing finds the courage to step into the gym. I want that 30-year-old dreaming of martial arts to discover his dojo. I want every athlete, whether Indian or international, to grasp that excellence doesn’t adhere to anyone else's timeline."

Singh's preparation for Poland incorporates a unique training regimen that merges traditional Indian wrestling techniques with contemporary MMA conditioning, all bolstered by his entirely vegetarian diet rich in rotis, seasonal vegetables, and Ayurvedic supplements.

"This isn't merely about one person's fight in Poland," Singh concluded. "This is about reshaping the narrative for every athlete who has been told they're too old, too different, or too late. When I enter that octagon, I will carry the aspirations of millions who refuse to accept limitations."

Details regarding the tournament in Poland and Singh's opponent will be revealed in the coming weeks. His historic MMA debut victory in Georgia, accomplished in just 90 seconds, remains the fastest recorded victory by an Indian fighter in the 93 kg division at the international level.