‘My Coach Says Never Lose To Pakistan’, Recalls Sangram Singh Ahead MMA Debut Against Ali Raza Nasir

New Delhi: Winning and a losing are a component and parcel of any sport but a defeat to Pakistan is unacceptable, opines Sangram Singh who's set to alter into the first Indian male wrestler to step into the sphere of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). A two-time former Commonwealth Heavyweight Championships winner, Sangram will make his MMA debut against Pakistan’s Ali Raza Nasir at the Gama International Battling Championship on September 21 at Heroes Square 1 in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Be it in cricket, hockey or every other sport, the India vs Pakistan encounters always holds a special place in every person’s heart. Expectations might be high on Sangram too as the 39-year-old admitted any fight against Pakistan comes with its own pressure.

“Whatever fight happens, it really is often hard and when it’s against Pakistan, then it seems more hard because our coach always says, ‘whether you lose to Bangladesh, Nepal or you lose to every other u . s . it does now no longer matter, but never lose to Pakistan,” Sangram responded to an India.com query on Tuesday at some point of a press conference contained within the Capital.

“No longer only my coach but every person says that never lose to Pakistan, that creates kind of a choice of pressure on the fight, Whether or not it should be cricket, wrestling, hockey or every other sport. In case you see the tough-core matches are only between India and Pakistan,” added Sangram who will change into the second Indian after Pooja Tomar to compete as a MMA fighter.

Sangram’s career switch from wrestling to MMA also shows how dedicated he is to bringing the sport closer to the young masses in India. “I envision a future where Indian athletes stand proudly on international stages and can develop their career in Mixed Martial Arts.

“My very own journey from wrestling to MMA isn’t just for me, I am hoping to construct the sport in India and likewise pave inroads for our young Indian opponents to shuttle places and participate. I am hoping to inspire them to agree with that with commitment and effort, they also will reach greatness globally,” he added.

Sangram hoped that by joining MMA, he's going to supply young athletes who wish to pursue careers in combat sports a clear path. “It be far in my nature as a sportsman to be well-versed contained within the sport or how it really is perceived internationally. As well, I see mixed martial arts (MMA) having a significant impact on boxing and wrestling as well as as for all combat sports,” he said.

Affirming his fitness and discipline, Sangram has been an inspiration while being a top motivator for a few youths as he rose to fame. He also had a a success television and film career, taking part in kind of a kind of reality shows and likewise acting in Bollywood films.