Indian fighter conquers the Atomweight division in Lebanon, marking a breakthrough moment for women’s MMA in the country.

Indian mixed martial artist Khushboo Nishad carved a landmark moment for the country by clinching the gold medal in the Atomweight (47.6 kg) division at the 2025 IMMAF Asian MMA Championship in Lebanon, placing Indian women’s MMA firmly in the continental spotlight.

Competing against elite fighters from across Asia, Nishad delivered a series of confident and tactically astute performances to reach the summit of the podium. In the final bout, she showcased exceptional speed, technical precision and mental toughness to overcome her opponent and secure a decisive victory.

Her triumph is being widely celebrated as a breakthrough for Indian MMA, particularly for women athletes striving to make their mark in a sport that is still evolving in terms of visibility and institutional support in the country. Nishad’s success reflects the growing competitiveness of Indian fighters on the international amateur circuit.

Hailing from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Khushboo Nishad’s journey to the Asian title is a story of perseverance and self-belief. She began her martial arts training early, learning judo, taekwondo and karate, before transitioning to mixed martial arts. Determined to pursue high-level training, she later relocated to Hyderabad, where she successfully balanced demanding training schedules with her work and academic commitments.

The IMMAF Asian MMA Championship is regarded as one of the most prestigious platforms for amateur MMA athletes in the region, drawing top competitors from across Asia. Nishad’s gold medal not only enhances India’s medal tally but also signals the country’s rising presence in global MMA.

With this historic win, Khushboo Nishad has emerged as one of India’s most promising MMA talents. Her achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of fighters and strengthen momentum for the growth of mixed martial arts in India.

Pic Credit: Khushboo Nishad Instagram