The fight’s just begun for Arjun, Bill
Who said that mixed martial arts (MMA) is only about men fighting it out in the ring? Bill Dosanjh, founder of the ongoing Super Fight League, plans to engage and empower women in the sport. “We will offer self-defence classes between noon and 5pm at our gyms. We want to give an equal platform to men and women,” he says.
As part of the League, there are eight teams that represent Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Goa, Mumbai, Gujarat, Bangalore and Uttar Pradesh. There are also plans to open gyms in each of these states; these gyms would train women in MMA.
Actor Arjun Rampal, one of the fittest men in Bollywood and the co-owner of the team Delhi Heroes, also supports the cause. “If women train in martial arts, then they can protect themselves,” says Rampal, adding, “Super Fight League has opened gyms, and in every gym, around 200 women will be given free training.” The actor believes that young girls and women who are trained in martial arts can, in turn, train other women, and “more people can be made a part of this sport”.
About his association with MMA, Rampal says, “Earlier, MMA was not a big part of my fitness routine, but now it will be. It’s a training of your ligaments, reflexes and mind. As soon as this league is over, I’ll start training with a coach.”
Mixed martial arts (MMA) combines various forms of wrestling, boxing, including judo and karate. The combat sport is gaining popularity in India. It has been further enhanced by Super Fight League — the brainchild of UK-based entrepreneur Bill Dosanjh. “Good facilities, nutrition and coaching are vital and that’s what we are going to give to these guys,” he said.
We caught the action at Siri Fort Sports Complex, New Delhi, over the last weekend. The teams Delhi Heroes, Sher-e-Punjab, Mumbai Maniacs, Bengaluru Tigers, Goa Pirates and Gujarat Warriors battled it out in the cage. Actor Sophie Choudry was there to support Mumbai Maniacs, which emerged as the winner. Parents of Kargil martyr Captain Vikram Batra were also felicitated at the do. “Our son’s motto was yeh dil maange more, everyone should imbibe that. I’m happy that this sport has finally got a platform,” said his father, GL Batra.