Initiative strengthens technical expertise and governance ahead of the 3rd Asian Youth Games
Bahrain, August 28, 2025 – The Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA), in partnership with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), has concluded its latest Coaches & Referees Development Program in Bahrain, underscoring its commitment to building a holistic ecosystem for the sport.
The program brought together dozens of regional coaches and referees for intensive training, knowledge-sharing, and certification under AMMA’s unified standards. The initiative ensures that not only athletes, but also the technical officials guiding them, are equipped to deliver safe, fair, and world-class competition standards.
The timing of the program is especially significant, as AMMA prepares to oversee MMA competitions at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in October 2025. By investing in technical education, AMMA is ensuring a legacy of consistency, integrity, and excellence across all its sanctioned events.
The Coaches & Referees Development Program complements AMMA’s wider efforts — including grassroots tournaments, youth athlete development, and continental championships — in building a bright and sustainable future for mixed martial arts in Asia.
Dovetailing from the rigorous 3-day training program, referees and coaches got to hone their skills on the mats with the inaugural AMMA Youth Championship that began immediately after the Coaches & Referees Program was concluded. Across 2 days, athletes from across the region, from Central to South East Asia, gathered for 2-days of non-stop MMA action to earn their spot in the upcoming Asian Youth Games in October.