Suchika Tariyal makes history, wins India’s first MMA medal at 2026 Asian Games

Suchika Tariyal of India (PTI Photo) India’s Suchika Tariyal broke new ground in mixed martial arts at the Asian Games, but the historic moment came with heartbreak. The 36-year-old secured India’s first MMA medal at the continental showpiece on Monday, settling for bronze after losing a grueling traditional women’s 60kg semi-final to Singapore’s Hui Hoon Teo in an extra round.Tariyal lost 0-2 in the extra round after an even fight in which both fighters looked exhausted and neither was able to land a decisive blow with their punches and kicks. While Teo celebrated her place in the final, an emotional Tariyal struggled to come to terms with the result and was tearfully comforted by her coach.The bronze medal took India’s total at the Games to four, with three silver medals coming from the shooting range.Despite the disappointment of not making it to the finals, Tariyal’s achievement marked a milestone for Indian sport, with MMA making its debut at the ongoing Asian Games.The Rohtak-born athlete booked her place in the semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa in the quarter-finals, securing a medal.A former judoka, Tariyal represented India at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and competed in kurash at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Her bronze in Nagoya added another chapter to a sporting journey that spanned multiple disciplines.Tariyal has also previously competed in MMA, making her professional debut in 2017 and winning her first fight. She then spent seven years away from the sport while pursuing Judo and Jiu-Jitsu before returning to MMA competition and signing a multi-fight contract with the BRAVE Combat Federation in November 2024.Her comeback came after overcoming setbacks, including a knee injury, and she also gained public recognition by appearing on the reality TV show Roadies.MMA is one of six sports making its debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, alongside freestyle BMX, teqball, padel, surfing and virtual taekwondo.