Hyderabad, Oct. 12 -- Popularising a bloodsport in which combatants literally knock each other's teeth out, with blood also often spilling on the floor. And the challenge in India is manifold, especially given that this is a country where cricket is almost like religion for many.

However, nothing could deter Hyderabad's Sheikh Khalid from making the city a centre of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). From 2013 till 2021, after his club took off, Shaik Khalid created about 50 national level medalists and five international level medalists, including his prodigy Mohammed Mahboob Khan.

Khan came from humble beginnings and went on to become the first-ever and only Indian to become a world champion in the sport, all thanks to Khalid. Since its incept...