India has never witnessed any kickboxing tournament in such a grand manner like the International Open Kickboxing Championship 2006, which was held in Bandra, Mumbai, from 28th Dec. to 30th Dec 2006. Like mentioned earlier, it was the greatest Kickboxing tournament in the history of Indian Kickboxing. All the credit of this success surely goes to the three times World Champion, Mr. Ziauddin Khatib, president of Indian Kickboxing Association.

The 500 odd fighters which participated in this championship were not only from different states of India, but were also from different countries likeNepal,Iran,Lebanon, UAE,Holland,Canada, etc.

Many highs and lows were witnessed throughout the tournament.Iranwon the team championship with their star Kickboxer Mehdi Stretch winning the title of International Kickboxing Championship by beating Arif Khan ofIndiain the third round of their bout, while theHolland’s fighter Matan won the Gold Medal in the professional International Kickboxing Championship in heavy weight category.India’s Rajeet Walia won the gold Medal in the Middle weight category of International Kickboxing Championship.
 

The three days extravaganza witnessed all the stars from different galaxies come together. The opening ceremony of the event was kick started by the Bollywood’s hottest hunk John Abraham and Hon. Minister Mr. R R Patil, on the 28th of Dec, while the closing ceremony saw India’s one of the most successful skipper and the most stylized cricketer, Mohd. Azharuddin.

Among the other celebrities who were also present in the event to boost the morale of the fighters were Bollywood actor Aditya Pancholi, model turned actor Aryan Vaid, former Mr. World Rajiv Singh, Sudhanshu Pandey, upcoming actress Neetu Chandra, etc. to name the few.

John, who was looking very cool in the event, took keen interest in watching the fights. One of the media person asked John why he decided to attend the event, he straight away said, “If I had not been an actor, then I would have definitely been a Kickboxer. I am into this sport before I became an actor.” He further added that, “The reason why I like this sport is because of the achievements of Ziauddin Khatib. I am training under him from past six years.”

The event was so rocking that Ziauddin Khatib had no words to express his joy. “I am so thrilled with the success of the event that there are no words left with me to speak.” said Zia. Hon. Minister Mr. R R Patil gave his assurance that he will try his best to promote this sport inIndia

Mohd. Azharuddin, who was looking as fit as he used to in his cricketing days, was very much impressed with the Kickboxing, and has decided that he himself will undergo training with Zia. “It is for the first time that I have watched kickboxing live, and I am very much impressed with this sports and am looking forward to start my practice session with Zia” said the former skipper.

There was one special performance of demonstration of Brazilian Jujitsu which was performed by Nina Stone from US.

The chairman of the organizing committee Mr. Arif Shaikh said that the next event will be much bigger than this one, “This was just the trailer, the full film will be coming soon” said Mr. Arif. On the other hand Mr. Parvez Khan, secretary of the organizing committee said,” This event has boosted our morale, and we are ready to organize more events like this in the coming future”.

The (WMMA) Team 96 was Represented by 5 fighters and they won the overall international title along with 3 gold's and 2 silvers. They are hoping to finish as successfully as last year as there is a lot of pressure on them to do so. This event will be in MMA style, no elbows will be allowed only knees, punches and kicks. Prepare yourselves for the tournament of the year.

Ostad Ali Visited the WORLD GYM/(stretch) and trained all the above participants who made
WMMA , INDIA, PUNE and WORLD GYM
 Proud with winning all their respective titles.

Ostad Ali Babri  From CANADA was in Pune to promote the sport of
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

 WMMA Annual Asian (SFC)Championships In India

 On -------------- fighters from Canada, Brazil, Croatia, India, Iran,USA,UK, will meet in India for one of the biggest International Kickboxing / MMA Championships to be ever held. They will compete in weight categories of 55 Kgs up to 90 Kgs. Fighters have been training for one year since last year’s much successful Asia Championships that was held in kive.