Mixed martial arts was once banned in most of the US, but is now perhaps the world’s fastest growing sport. In the latest positive sign, the Federal government in Bangladesh has recognized an MMA association for the first time.

Via Paarth Pande at Cage Side Press.

MMA is not currently officially recognized as a sport in many South East Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. One of the major reasons for its lack of recognition is the absence of proper, organized bodies able to come together to build the sport from the grassroots level. With the formation of ABNMMAA (All Bangladesh National MMA Association), MMA fighters across Bangladesh now have a platform that allows them to report issues they encounter in the sport, as well as find a stage which can help them get noticed in the MMA world.

The new body is recognized by the Ministry of Sports and Youth & the National Sports Council of Bangladesh. With the formation of the association, Supanto Haldar was elected as the President of the body, and Rajan Halder elected as general secretary.

MMA is gaining popularity in Bangladesh,” said ABNMMAA Joint Secretary Abid Hassan Tanvir in an exclusive statement to Cageside Press. “Day by day the youth are getting interested in it. The sport is still in its infancy here and our association will work to develop the sports all over the country.

“Our primary target is to work on amateur level talent for producing the first batch of Pros. We have peoples from various disciplines who are excited to contribute. We will be sending fighters in Upcoming BOOM – IPFL Fitexpo which will be taking place in Science city on 25 and 26 of November in Kolkata, India.”

He added that ABNMMAA will be sending its athletes to compete in numerous events starting this November. The formation of ABNMMAA is great news for the combat sports community in South East Asia as MMA continues to grow in the region.