The head of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security, Kamchybek Tashiyev, has called for a ban on mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions in the country, citing concerns over the impact of the sport on youth and moral values.
In a live broadcast on social media, Tashiyev expressed his belief that MMA promotes the wrong message to young people, suggesting that violence and aggression are the keys to success. He referred to MMA not as a sport, but as “a form of war,” arguing that it encourages harmful ideologies among the younger generation.
“Mixed martial arts is not a sport but a form of war. Such competitions give young people the wrong idea that success can be achieved through violence and aggression. We need to raise a generation that pays attention to education and science,” Tashiyev said.
He further emphasized the moral and health risks associated with the sport, pointing out that many MMA fighters suffer long-term disabilities before the age of 40.
Tashiyev called on athletes and those preparing for MMA competitions to shift their focus to Olympic sports, which are state-supported and promote overall physical development. He also rejected the argument that the popularity of MMA in other countries should influence Kyrgyzstan’s stance, urging the nation to prioritize its own values and cultural principles.
“Even from an Islamic point of view, such actions are wrong—beating and mutilating each other is unacceptable,” Tashiyev added.
He has called on the Kyrgyzstan Olympic Committee, sports associations, and the Ministry of Culture and Sports to take decisive action to restrict MMA activities in the country.
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