Indian Street-fighters Have Been Eliminated From The Asian Games 2022

The 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, witnessed the participation of two talented Indian street fighters, Ayan Biswas and Mayank Prajapati. These athletes, representing India in the Street Fighter V and Tekken 7 categories, respectively, were the hopes of a nation that has been increasingly enthusiastic about the sport of street fighting. 

However, their journey at the Asian Games was cut short as both fighters faced early eliminations, leaving fans disappointed. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this setback, the challenges faced by Indian street fighters, and the potential for growth in this emerging sport.

Indian Street Fighting: A Growing Passion

Street fighting, a discipline rooted in martial arts, has been gaining popularity in India in recent years. With a surge in interest among young athletes and a growing fanbase, the sport has shown promise. However, it is crucial to recognize that the Indian street-fighting scene is still in its infancy compared to countries where such combat sports have a rich history and well-established systems of training and support.

The Asian Games Elimination

Ayan Biswas and Mayank Prajapati, the two Indian street fighters who represented the nation at the 2022 Asian Games, faced disappointing exits from the competition. Biswas was eliminated in the Round of 16 in the Street Fighter V category, while Prajapati’s journey came to an end in the Round of 32 in the Tekken 7 category. These early exits left Indian fans disheartened and raised questions about the state of street fighting in the country.

Challenges Faced by Indian Street Fighters

1. Lack of Resources and Support: One of the primary challenges faced by Indian street fighters is the lack of resources and support. Unlike their counterparts in countries with established fighting scenes, Indian athletes often struggle to find proper training facilities, experienced coaches, and financial support for their pursuits. This disadvantage can hinder their development and preparation for international competitions.

2. Lack of Experience: Another factor contributing to the early exits of Indian street fighters at the Asian Games is their relative lack of experience at the international level. Competing in major tournaments requires a different level of skill and mental fortitude, which can only be gained through exposure to high-pressure situations. Indian fighters need more opportunities to participate in international competitions to build their experience.

3. Mental Toughness: Mental toughness is a critical aspect of any combat sport, and it often separates champions from contenders. Indian street fighters may need more training and guidance to develop the mental resilience required to excel on the international stage. This aspect of their training should not be overlooked.

A Path Forward for Indian Street Fighting

While the elimination of Indian street fighters at the Asian Games is disappointing, it is not the end of the road for the sport in India. The country has immense potential to become a force in street fighting, but certain steps must be taken to address the challenges faced by its athletes.

1. Increase Government and Corporate Support: The Indian government and corporate entities should recognize the potential of street fighting as a legitimate sport. They can contribute by investing in the development of training facilities, providing financial support to athletes, and promoting the sport at the grassroots level. Adequate funding and sponsorship can make a significant difference in the growth of street fighting in India.

2. Develop the Indian Street-fighting Scene: To nurture homegrown talent, there must be a concerted effort to develop the Indian Street-fighting scene. Organizing more domestic tournaments and competitions will allow athletes to gain valuable experience and improve their skills. Additionally, these events can attract more aspiring fighters to the sport.

3. Improve Mental Toughness: Coaches and trainers should focus on improving the mental toughness of Indian street fighters. This can be achieved through specialized sports psychology training and exposure to high-pressure competitions. Mentally resilient athletes are better equipped to handle the challenges of international tournaments.

4. International Exposure: Indian street fighters should have more opportunities to compete against international opponents. Participation in international events, training camps, and sparring sessions with fighters from other countries can help Indian athletes bridge the experience gap.

The elimination of the Indian street-fighting team from the 2022 Asian Games is undoubtedly a setback, but it should serve as a wake-up call for those invested in the sport’s growth in India. Despite the challenges faced by Indian street fighters, the country possesses a pool of talented athletes with the potential to excel on the international stage.

By increasing government and corporate support, developing the Indian street-fighting scene, and prioritizing mental toughness, India can improve its prospects in street-fighting. With the right investments and strategies, Indian street fighters can look forward to a future where they compete at the highest levels and make their nation proud. The setbacks faced at the Asian Games should be viewed as stepping stones towards a brighter future for Indian street fighting.