Analyzing the Legality of Mixed-Martial Arts (MMA) in India and the Strategic Options Available to Unveil the Sport
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One may be surprised to know that the world’s most popular combat sport, mixed martial arts or MMA, is one of the highly competitive and exciting sports in India and abroad. However, it has failed to achieve the same official recognition that many other sports, played along the same lines have earned, whether from an Indian purview or even internationally. The authors of this paper aimed to explain the current legal status of MMA in India and, subsequently, abroad. They sought to comprehend the reason of the lapse in the official recognition for the sport. This research is based on the present-day governance of the sport from an Indian purview and the existence of its organizational structure, both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, the paper would explain the impacts of this non-recognition on the athletes and the sport itself along with the problems that they entail. Finally, future scope would also be explored with regard to the recognition of the sport and the potential hurdles it faces.
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