By Jorden Curren
Mongolia, which was recently given observation status by the IMMAF Board, is determined to move quickly as a powerhouse of Asian, and global MMA, under the guidance of a former Judoka and Diplomat Pantii Gankhuyag.
The national body was established in January 2019 to promote and develop martial arts in Mongolia and increase physical activity among the youth of the country, in line with government objectives, and to widen cooperation among domestic martial arts groups toward integration at the international level. The Association has begun a long-term four-year plan towards development of coaches and cultivation of MMA athletes to competition level.
The Association builds on sport development through seminars, workshops and training opportunities. It’s president, Pantii Gankhuyang, is tasked with leading the national body over the next 3 years and to obtaining government recognition for the sport of MMA.
Mongolia counts on vast resources from the volunteer sector to help in national development of sport with schools, universities and student clubs often involved. The IMMAF is committed to providing technical support in building foundations for recreational participation and competitive amateur MMA.
Pantii Gankhuyag (pictured above) is a judoka and member of the Mongolian Democratic Party, formerly a diplomat in Japan who served as Governor of the Mongolian Dornogovi Province from 2008-2016. Mr Gankhuyag has a lifelong passion for martial arts with an interested in how sport and MMA can contribute to national society.
The national Association benefits from the experience of Olympic competitors and coaches and maintains diversity of skillsets through invitations to experts from government and developed sporting backgrounds to provide guidance for new generations.