The Tajikistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation recently published to IMMAF a report detailing the organisation’s significant activities during the period of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
Notwithstanding the current climate, the TAJMMAF maintains close cooperation with the IMMAF in the implementation of its duties as a National Federation and the promotion of Amateur MMA in Tajikistan.
Competitions and Training
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Tajikistan federation found it needed to adapt its training sessions and competitions in order to be able to execute them. In accordance with the recommendations and restrictions set by both local government and IMMAF, the TAJMMAF held its Amateur MMA Championships without spectators under the title of “Dushanbe Cup-2020” on 28-29 March 2020.
In addition, for the further development of MMA in Tajikistan and selection of the best sportsmen for the international competitions, the TAJMMAF is organizing a National Republican Amateur MMA Championship this month (December 2020.)
The federation commented:
“We are seeing how impatiently talented competitors are counting down the days for the Championship to show their best skills, their enthusiasm and desire to become champions.”
Organising, Participating and Campaigning Online
At the beginning of pandemic, the TAJMMAF adapted by reducing its physical operations and moving online a range of activities that has included internal meetings, training and international meetings and events.
“Especially, we have strived to actively participate in all IMMAF online events and continue to contribute to the protection and development the sport of MMA in Tajikistan and world over. As part of this, for almost a year, we have been participating in monthly IMMAF E-meetings with Central Asian Federations.”
The TAJMMAF has been notably active in IMMAF campaigns that have included the “White Card” /“MMA for Peace” campaign in April, in the support of the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace. In July 2020, the TAJMMAF collected 2118 signatures for the global petition, “MMA is a Sport”, promoting it via social its networks, over Facebook, Instagram, Viber and WhatsApp.
Education & E-Learning
From 12 to 16 October, the federation gathered to participate as a group in IMMAF’s Virtual Technical Seminar Week which it describes as bring “very fruitful intellectually and very interesting in the COVID-19 period.”
October to November also proved a productive time for TAJMMAF’s administrators, representatives and members (including President, Vice-president, coaches, external and internal affairs coordinators, lawyers, financial administrators and Social Media officers), when they completed the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Anti-Doping E-Learning Course (ADeL) and received WADA certification.
On 21 November, TAJMMAF staff further participated in a seminar organised by the National Olympic Committee of Tajikistan on Doping Control.
Developments & IT
Regardless of the obstacles presented by COVID-19, the TAJMMAF reports various “challenges and errors emerging in the organisation of our first competition, the Dushanbe Cup-2020”. The governing body is currently working to trouble-shoot in these areas to improve the standard of its organisational, management and operational processes:
“Indeed, we have now transferred from traditional “management” processes to increased e-management. To avoid paperwork, time constraints and labour overruns we have developed a software system that allows participants to register for our tournaments online, easing the administrative load for coordinators before, during and after tournaments. The online system has been launched in time for the upcoming Republican Championship.”
Communications
In 2020, TAJMMAF’s website was enhanced for multi-lingual access – in Tajik, Russian and English. IMMAF technical videos were also translated from English into the Tajik language
For the active promotion of TAJMMAF and its activities, a Social Media Manager has been hired. He is responsible for the positive propagation and popularisation of amateur MMA in Tajikistan on behalf of the federation.
Governance and Recognition
Also in 2020; TAJMMAF drafted the Amateur MMA Rules of Tajikistan based on IMMAF Amateur MMA Rules, and they were formerly adopted by the Committee of Sports and Youth of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Finally this year, the TAJMMAF instigated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between itself and the Olympic Committee of the Republic of Tajikistan for mutual support in Anti-Doping matters.
Summary
Of a prolific years’ work in the face great challenges, the federation has commented:
“What we have achieved during such a difficult situation as caused by COVID-19, is not our greatest contribution yet, but as they say: ‘Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land.’”
See Presentation about TAJMMAF structure and activities
Look out for TAJMMAF President, Davron Juraev Muzafarovich, joining other National Presidents on IMMAF TALKS soon to discuss the development of amateur MMA globally in 2020 in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic
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