Dhami, Kakshapati win at Immortal Fighting Championship in India

Nepali mixed martial arts talent shone brightly in India this past weekend as Sangita Dhami and Kunjan Kakshapati, both representing Lock n Roll MMA, emerged victorious at the Immortal Fighting Championship-1 in Bengaluru. This achievement underscores the growing prowess of Nepali athletes on the international stage and highlights the dedication and skill cultivated within the nation's combat sports community.

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If he takes your back, the fight is over

Kunjan Kakshapati, a 25-year-old jiu-jitsu practitioner, showcased his technical expertise against India's Inzamam Ul Huck. Despite facing a strong challenge and even finding himself in a submission hold, Kakshapati persevered, ultimately securing a win via rear-naked choke in the final round. This victory marks a significant milestone for Kakshapati, adding to his impressive 8-2 record and bringing him closer to his dream of becoming a professional fighter.

Motivated by Kakshapati's success, Sangita Dhami, a decorated wrestler who previously won gold at the 2019 South Asian Games, entered the ring with determination. Facing a formidable opponent in Aarya Choudhary, a multi-time national champion and World Championship bronze medallist, Dhami engaged in a grueling battle. After a tough first round where she narrowly escaped an armbar submission, Dhami shifted the momentum in the second and third rounds, dominating her opponent with ground-and-pound strikes to eventually earn a TKO victory.

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And when Kakshapati had Inzamam down on the mat with half of the third round remaining, he finally got a good hold with a rear-naked choke. As Inzamam drifted out of consciousness, the referee stepped in once more—this time to crown a winner.

These wins are more than just individual triumphs; they represent a surge of national pride for Nepal. In a region where sports often face challenges in terms of funding and infrastructure, these victories serve as powerful inspiration. While international coverage might focus on the fight results themselves, for Nepal, these athletes embody resilience and the pursuit of excellence against odds. Their success in a competitive international event like the Immortal Fighting Championship is a testament to their hard work and a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across the country, demonstrating that Nepali talent can compete and win on a global platform.

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Dhami repeated what she did in the second round, Choudhary was again under her. And when she started pounding punches this time, the referee waved off the bout with around a minute remaining, as the barrage had done its job.