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New Delhi [भारत]July 9 (ANI): Indian wrestling star and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) icon Sangram Singh has expressed his excitement for his Asian Champion title match against his arch-rival Pakistan's Abid Ali. He said he was feeling "a mixture of excitement and nervousness" and that a handshake between the two fighters would be finalized at the right time.

Sangram exuded confidence ahead of his highly anticipated Asia Champion title fight against Pakistan's Abid Ali on July 19 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He said that he is entering this competition with only one objective - to hoist the Indian tricolor on the international stage. The official pre-fight press conference was held at The Lalit, New Delhi, in which Sangram Singh, PMMA Malaysia President Ismail Marzuki bin, PMMA CEO Mohd Hakeem bin Lukman Abdullah, members of the organizing committee, a representative of Sangram's coaching team and members of the media were present.

Competition against Pakistan is always challenging: Sangram Singh

Speaking to ANI, he said, "Preparations are going on. The match against Pakistan is always extremely challenging, both the teams give their best and do not want to lose to each other, even if they lose to others. It is a high-pressure match. I am feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness."

The fighter also said that this fight is the only thing on his mind, saying, "Ali is the only thing running in his mind." "Ali is roaming in his mind, when the fight happens, the result will come out only then." "They use such intense sledging, abuses and comments that you will be shocked. They play mind games differently. Even the referees don't see it; rather they warn us. On shaking hands, the management will take a decision. I prepare myself for these scenarios. I hope this fight will achieve something positive and inspire the youngsters," he concluded.

The India vs Pakistan encounter has already created a lot of excitement in the combat sports fraternity, with the winner being crowned Asia champion. A two-time Commonwealth Heavyweight Wrestling Champion and one of India's most respected professional wrestlers, Sangram has made history since his arrival in professional MMA. He made a sensational debut by knocking out Pakistan's Ali Raza Nasir in just 90 seconds in Georgia, followed by wins over Tunisia's Hakim Trabelsi in the Netherlands and France's Florian Codier in Argentina, and remains undefeated with a 3-0 professional MMA record.

His win in Argentina also made him the first Indian to win a professional MMA bout on Argentinian soil. Outside the cage, Sangram works as a Fit India Icon under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and was appointed the brand ambassador for the Swachh Bharat and Vikas Bharat campaigns by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. His international MMA campaign has also received support from Fit India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as part of its efforts to promote fitness, healthy lifestyle and Indian athletes globally.

'I fight for 145 crore Indians'

According to a press release, while addressing the media, Sangram Singh said, "Whenever I step into the cage, I don't just fight for myself; I fight for 145 crore Indians. India vs Pakistan is always special, no matter what the game, and I completely understand the emotions associated with this fight. I have trained with complete discipline and respect for my opponent, but once the cage closes, my only mission will be to ensure that the Indian flag Hoave high. I believe fitness, dedication and mental strength are the greatest weapons any athlete can have."

SAI praised Sangram's dedication

Mayank Srivastava, Deputy Director General, Sports Authority of India, said, "Sangram Singh embodies the values that Indian sport seeks to promote – discipline, resilience, determination and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His transformation from a skilled wrestler to an undefeated professional MMA athlete is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work. We are delighted to see Indian athletes making their mark on the global stage in emerging sports, and we We wish Sangram all the best in carrying the nation's hopes in this important championship. His journey will inspire countless young Indians to pursue fitness and sporting excellence."

'Passion has no age'

Reflecting on his journey from wrestling to MMA, Sangram said, "People questioned my decision to start MMA after the age of 40, but I wanted to prove that passion has no age. My aim is not just to win titles but also to inspire young Indians to adopt fitness, discipline and sports as a way of life. I thank the Government of India, Fit India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and all those who have supported my journey. Have supported."

Coach is confident of Sangram's victory

His coach Bhupesh Kumar expressed full confidence in the Indian fighter, "Sangram has left no stone unturned in his preparation. His wrestling background, superior striking, conditioning and mental toughness have evolved a lot in the last two years. We respect Abid Ali, but Sangram is fully prepared to give another memorable performance for India."

Malaysian organizers appreciated the event

PMMA Malaysia President, Ismail Marzuki Bin praised the rising stature of Asian combat sports. "The Asia Champion title represents the future of mixed martial arts in Asia. India and Pakistan have passionate sporting cultures, and this competition will showcase the tremendous talent emerging from the region. We are proud to be the hosts and are delighted to bring together athletes of such calibre," Ismail said.

PMMA CEO Mohammad Hakeem bin Luqman Abdullah said the event symbolizes unity through sports. "Combat sports have the unique ability to unite nations through respect, discipline and competition. We are confident that this championship will become one of Asia's premier MMA properties, and we appreciate the participation of 精英 athletes like Sangram Singh and Abid Ali."

Organizers said the Asia Champion title fight is expected to be one of the biggest India-Pakistan combat sports events in recent years and will provide an international platform for Asian fighters to showcase their talents. With an undefeated professional MMA record and wins already in Europe and South America, Sangram Singh will now hope to add another historic chapter to his career when he faces Pakistan's Abid Ali for the Asia Champion title. (ANI)