Team India received a special surprise earlier this week at the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) World Championships in Amsterdam, when they were paid a visit by Her Excellency Reenat Sandhu, Ambassador of India in the Netherlands.

The formidable Indian team, consisting of 28 athletes in total, is considered one of the favourites at the competition, running from 23-27 March in the Dutch capital.

India and The Netherlands have enjoyed a strong, 75-year relationship dating back to 1947, when the European nation became one of the first to recognize India as an independent country.

Her Excellency provided the Indian National MMA team with a heart-warming, interactive and motivating meeting, and once again showed her dedication and support to the athletes of India by taking time out of her busy schedule, which includes preparations for an upcoming visit of the President of India to the Netherlands in the first week of April.

Displaying a keen interest in learning more about mixed martial arts, Her Excellency led a highly interactive discussion with the members of Team India.

All India Mixed Martial Arts Federation (AIMMAF) President Mr. Aditya PS gave an overview of the MMA landscape in India, the potential of the sport, and the struggles faced by MMA athletes in the country. It is through his able leadership that the AIMMAF has created a platform for showcasing India’s great MMA talent, developing athletes in a safe environment, and providing opportunities for them on the world stage.

Mr. Vishal Seigell, head coach for Team India, has been preparing his athletes to be in peak shape at the World Championships. Under his superlative guidance, the Indian team is riding high on the success of three gold medals and a bronze medal at the GAMMA Asian Championships held in Kyrgyzstan last year.

Her Excellency kindly offered her support and assistance to the team during its stay in Amsterdam. The AIMMAF said it was highly appreciative of the kind gestures as they would be motivating to the athletes.

With the World Championships now under way, the Indian athletes are enthusiastically looking forward to participating, confident and proud of their country and filled with a deep-rooted desire to win gold for India.

It will be exciting to see how Team India fares at the GAMMA World Championships!