Mumbai: TEAM RELENTLESS - India’s leading mixed martial arts team in collaboration with the pioneers of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Kick-boxing, Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Mumbai- DOJO (A Yash Birla Group and India Fight Factory initiative) and Evolution MMA today hosted India’s first ever EVOLUTION GRAPPLING INDIAN OPEN tournament/event in Oberoi Mall, Mumbai.
The one day tournament, which is the first of its kind Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling event in India, began in the morning amidst an enthralled audience at Oberoi Mall, Goregaon. The event had two main disciplines- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (GI) & Submission Wrestling (NO GI)and the competitors fought in 5 age categories: Sub- Juniors (8-14 years), Junior Boys (14- 18 years), Junior Girls (14- 18 years), Adult Male (over 18 years) & Adult Women (over 18 years).
TEAM RELENTLESS has been competing and representing India at various prestigious Martial Arts tournaments internationally for over two years. It is the first time the team has pooled its experience and expertise to host the maiden submission wrestling and grappling event locally at a mall.
The event was organized by B Cube, a range of unique, breakthrough supplementary nutrition products by the Yash Birla group and sponsored by Rite Bite, USI Universal and Vasuki Fitness.
Congratulating the team for its efforts, Mr. Yash Birla, Chairman, Yash Birla Group said “I am proud to see that in a country of more than a billion population, a new form of sport is getting recognized beyond Cricket. Martial Arts and Wrestling are coveted sport forms and well renowned all over the world and I am happy to see them slowly getting acceptance in India as well. We at Yash Birla Group want to provide the youth with a platform where they can hone their skills, adopt a healthy, sporty and fit lifestyle. This kind of a sport makes you stress-free which ultimately has a positive impact on all other areas of your life. I am myself very passionate about fitness and am therefore supporting this initiative. By contributing to this game, we are only encouraging youth to adopt this lifestyle too.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Akhil Kapur, Founder, India Fight Factory said “Today is a big day for all our fighters. We are very excited to host this big event and want this sport to gain popularity in our country. We have participated in various events internationally, but it is a different feeling to be a part of such an event in your own country. I hope we are able to take this step forward and organize such events more often.”
Commenting on the success of the event, Mr. Nirzar Jain, Vice-President, Oberoi Mall said, “This was first of its kind national tournament held in India at Oberoi Mall. We received an enthusiastic response from the professionals as well as general public. We would like to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, one of the upcoming fitness arts. We believe in innovation and always strive to give our customers the best of entertainment along with shopping experience. The association with Evolution Grappling Indian Open was a great relationship and we look forward to bring more such events for fitness enthusiasts as well as customers”.
With more than 200 athletes competing in annual events such as Bangkok Open, Pan Asian Championship, Copa De Hong Kong etc., Submission Wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports in Asia.
