In what can only be described as a historic achievement, Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) President, Gavin Singh, has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Pan American Mixed Martial Arts Federation and will serve as a director for the jurisdiction of South America.
This was disclosed by the President of the Pan American Mixed Martial Arts Federation, and Trinidad and Tobago native, Jason Fraser, on Saturday at the Princess Ramada Hotel, Providence, during an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport.
According to Fraser, Singh’s eventual appointment occurred following recommendations to the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), noting that he will serve as a director for the entirety of the South American region.
He explained, “We have faith in what he has done, we have seen his ability to network amongst the clubs and corporate sector which is most important, but his ability to also network out of his own pocket. People don’t often see the value and expense in that. It’s an honour to have Singh as part of my executive, it’s the first appointment from South America, and I only expect great things to occur.”
He further remarked, “He has a lot of work to do given the demographics of South America which comprises nations that speak Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, and English. My main point of connection will be Guyana for the region, and Gavin will bring value and experience to us given his management skills. We believe in transparency, accountability, equality, openness, and fair opportunity, those are the more important tenets. We embrace everyone, and Gavin will have a huge role to play in this regard.”
According to Fraser, Singh’s appointment forms part of the association’s objective in building and establishing the structures of the Pan Am institution, which is being done in conjunction with the IMMAF, as means to develop the entire region.
“We are the pioneers, we have to build everything, the entire structure for the future. The IMMAF is a global body with a difference, they don’t believe in leaving the Caribbean region behind. They are not looking for a vote, and they believe in sustaining the sport from the grassroots, which is the same vision that I have. The IMMAF is different from the other combat sports federations, and Gavin will have a huge role to play in the transparency, accountability, and fair opportunity within the region.”
Singh was approved by more than 80 per cent of the region according to Fraser, which confirmed his ascent to the Pan-American executive committee. He becomes the first Guyanese to serve on the Pan-American executive board in the portfolio of Director.
The GMMAF under the stewardship of Singh has competed in two international events. Guyana made its international debut at the IMMAF Amateur World Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in January 2022. The team comprised Ijaz Cave and Carlos D’Anjou.
The association also participated at the Pan American Championship in Monterrey, Mexico, from June 22 to 24, 2022. The three-member team comprised Shenese Bobb, Trevlon Clarke, and Carl Ramsay. Meanwhile, Singh during his brief remarks said that he is honoured and proud to ascend to the Pan-American executive structure, adding that it is a historic moment for the country, and will provide a plethora of developmental opportunities for the emerging discipline.
“It will give us a bigger voice at the table, that is not to say that we were not taken seriously because we have received tremendous support from Pan Am and the IMMAF, who have always supported the region. I believe that it will open avenues for our fighters, allow us the accessibility of cross-training, and give us that consistency and regularity that we have lacked prior.”
According to Singh, his appointment will afford local athletes to tap directly into the institutional knowledge and structure of Pan Am and notable South American nations such as Brazil, Suriname, and French Guiana, in their bid to develop the budding sport.
