Suchika criticized Tariyal for refusing to shake hands after the agonizing loss at the Asian Games

India’s Suchika Tariyal was left devastated after her controversial semi-final defeat at the 2026 Asian Games, with the 36-year-old facing criticism for refusing to shake hands with Singapore’s Hui Hoon Tee. Tariyal had to settle for bronze in the traditional women’s 60kg category after going against her in a close match in a weight-based tiebreak.

Tariyal was visibly upset when Teo was declared the winner and did not immediately approach her opponent or the referee for the customary handshake. She initially refused to join the judge and Theo for the announcement of the results, before finally joining them after being talked out of it by her coaches. Tariyal then collapsed on the mat after confirming the result.

The Indian’s refusal to immediately shake hands with Tee drew criticism, as the gesture is traditionally considered an important part of sportsmanship in combat sports. However, Tariyal just saw her hopes of making the finals disappear after the match went to extra time and was the 700 gram difference in their morning weigh-ins ultimately decided.

WHY WAS SUCHIKA ANGRY

Tariyal and Teo battled for two rounds before the bout went into one minute overtime. The Indian initially trailed but fought hard in the second round and used her judo skills to take down Theo. Neither fighter was able to establish a clear advantage in overtime, which led to the Indian camp questioning the original decision.

Please don’t defend people like her, this is why we are losing respect as a country abroad. Our people act legitimately, asserting their beliefs and religious practices. And let’s not forget how a false sense of pride and nationalism, extreme religious bias and casteism was created — Sakshi Narula (@mssakshinarula) September 22, 2026

After the challenge, the match was declared a draw. However, the rules meant that the winner would be determined using the fighters’ morning weigh-in numbers. Teo was about 700 grams lighter than Tariyal and was therefore awarded the victory which secured her a place in the finals.

Tariyal later explained that she disagreed with the decision and believed she had won the match. The Indians camp also formally contested the original result, after which the match was changed to a draw before the weight rule was applied.

700 GRAMS THAT CHANGED THE RESULT

The MMA Sports Federation said the result was decided according to the rules of the competition. Federation president Nikhil Kunde told PTI that after the challenge resulted in a draw, the winner was decided on the basis of the athletes’ weights recorded during the morning weigh-in.

“Since the Singaporean was about 700 grams lighter than Suchika, she advanced to the final. Suchika settled for bronze,” Kunde said.

The result meant that Tariyal missed out on a place in the race for gold despite taking the semi-final to extra time. However, her bronze was historic as it became India’s first ever Asian Games medal in MMA, which debuted at the continental event in 2026.

Tariyal had earlier secured her place in the semi-finals by defeating Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 in the quarter-finals. The Haryana athlete has also represented India in Judo at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Kurash at the 2023 Asian Games.

Her bronze marked a major milestone for Indian MMA, although her controversial semi-final and emotional reaction continued to garner attention after the bout.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

22 Sep 2026 20:28 IST