Maharashtra official becomes first Indian MMA referee at Asian Games

Prachiti Nagpurkar of Maharashtra has become the first Indian to referee a match at the Asian Games, marking a significant milestone for Indian participation in mixed martial arts officiating. Nagpurkar served as a match referee in one of the semifinal bouts at the Nagoya City Inae Sports Center as MMA made its debut in the continental multi-sport event.

The official previously held a career in chartered accountancy before pivoting entirely to pursue her dream in MMA administration. She expressed no regrets about leaving the lucrative profession, viewing her appointment as part of making sporting history. "We are a part of history here. MMA is my sport and seeing my sport come to Asian Games and representing my country as a referee has been a very surreal experience," she said in an exclusive interview.

Beyond her groundbreaking role at the Asian Games, Nagpurkar has built an impressive officiating resume this year alone. She has served as a referee in the Asian Games qualifiers, Asian Championships held in Uzbekistan and China, and competitions at the South East Asian Games, establishing herself as a recognised figure in the sport's administration across the region.

Nagpurkar's achievement extends beyond gender representation in sports officiating. As the first Indian match referee in MMA at this level, her selection underscores India's growing participation and recognition within international combat sports governance structures.