By Jake Smith
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown, IMMAF CEO Densign White and IMMAF Development Director Andrew Moshanov are visiting Kyrgyzstan, following the nation creating their newly founded MMA Federation.
The visit signified the start of mixed martial arts development in Kyrgyzstan as the country continues to add to its rich history of domestic sporting prowess. Mr Brown, Mr Moshanov and Mr White were all in attendance, as honoured guests, at the VI Open Championship of Kyrgyzstan in MMA. This competition was held under eye of the IMMAF to mark the 30th anniversary of Independence of the Kyrgyz Republic. The event, at the Gazprom complex played host to cadets, juniors and adult divisions
President Brown was extremely impressed with the hospitality of the nation; and the level of the athletes competing, he said:
“It’s my first time in Kyrgyzstan and I was pleasantly surprised. I’d like to underline the good level and ambition of the young fighters, they definitely have a future. I hope our partnership will last long and that your athletes will successfully represent Kyrgyzstan at the World Championships.”
Mr White was equally impressed with the competition, he said:
“Thank you for your kindness. We’ve never been so warmly welcomed. At the moment, we are working to make MMA even more popular and to make it part of the Olympic programme. I am confident that the athletes we will see today will represent their country at the Olympic Games. I thank the President of MMA Kyrgyzstan and thank everyone who organized this championship
“The big MMA family is multinational. And today I would like to congratulate all the Kyrgyz people with such a significant date, as the 30th anniversary of Independence of the country, as well as with the championship of the country. MMA is a noble sport, which combines the best elements of martial arts.”
As part of their visit, President Brown will be participating in the opening ceremony of the International Tournament, which takes place on 24th August and as, with the Open Championship, the Tournament will also be part of the celebration of the Independence of the Kyrgyz Republic.
