Kolkata : Suchika Tariyal made history by securing Bronze – India’s first Asian Games medal in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). She transitioned from judo and Ju-Jitsu to achieve this significant combat sports milestone. Tariyal’s journey began with self-defense after a childhood incident at a salon. She aims to inspire more women to participate in combat sports and self-defense. This achievement marks a proud moment for Indian women in sports.
At the age of 12, an incident of eve-teasing prompted Suchika Tariyal to learn judo so she could defend herself. What started as a self-defence decision eventually developed into a remarkable career spanning judo, Ju-Jitsu and mixed martial arts.
At that age, Suchika picked up judo after the eve-teasing incident at a unisex salon left her helpless. “I went to a unisex salon and the barber touched me inappropriately,”. “I felt that I should have something for my own defence. I should have some fighting skills with which I can fight back.”
The 36-year-old Rohtak-born fighter created history at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games by becoming the first Indian athlete to win an Asian Games medal in MMA.
What happened in the Asian Games 2026 Bronze Medal Semi final match ?
Tariyal defeated Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 in the women’s traditional 60kg quarterfinal confirming her historic medal.
Then she moved into the semi final. She went down against Singapore’s Teo Hui Hoon in the women’s traditional 60kg. The seasoned Indian campaigner fought hard, taking the bout into overtime, but the judges ultimately ruled against her, leaving the fighter dejected as she walked back.
Following the loss by barest margin, an emotional Suchika broke down and decided to challenge the judges’ decision. As per the rules, an athlete who protests against a judging decision must pay a non-refundable fee of USD 100. In Suchika’s case, the fee was paid by the Indian MMA Federation and coach Nikhil Kunder.
Normally, a bout is judged by a panel of three officials. However, in the event of an arbitration request, a jury comprising 10 members reviews the contest. The panel examined all available footage and eventually concluded that the fight between Suchika and Hui Hoon Teo had ended in a draw.
After determining that the bout was a draw, the jury applied the competition’s tie-break rule, which states that the lighter fighter is declared the winner. Since Suchika weighed 700 grams more than her opponent, the decision went in Hui Hoon Teo’s favour. As a result, Suchika missed out on a place in the final and had to settle for the bronze medal.
Despite the disappointment, the 36-year-old leaves Aichi-Nagoya with a landmark medal that marks a breakthrough for Indian MMA on the continental stage.
Self Defense to International stage
Tariyal’s decision to take up judo after the incident at 12 was not initially made with the intention of building an international sporting career. However, over the years, she developed into one of India’s most experienced and versatile combat-sports athletes.
She started her journey with judo before moving into Ju-Jitsu and eventually making her MMA debut in 2017.
Her judo career was decorated with eight national titles and several international achievements. She won gold at the 2019 Commonwealth Judo Championships and the 2019 South Asian Games, besides claiming silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Judo Championships.
Tariyal also represented India at multiple Asian championships and competed in the women’s -57kg category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she narrowly missed out on a medal.
MMA comeback
Tariyal continued to expand her combat-sports career by moving into Ju-Jitsu. Her transition brought another significant achievement when she won gold in the adults Ju-Jitsu Contact Female -63kg category at the 2024 JJIF Ju-Jitsu World Championships.
She had made her MMA debut with a victory in 2017 but subsequently took a seven-year break from the sport while continuing her judo and Ju-Jitsu journey.
In December 2024, Tariyal returned to professional MMA after signing with BRAVE Combat Federation. She marked her comeback with a victory at BRAVE CF 92 in Bahrain.
Explaining how her judo experience helped her transition into MMA, she said:
“Judo set me up for MMA, which for me is the ultimate level of combat sports. Because of judo, I was skilful in ground fighting and grappling. I only had to learn the standing game and striking skills for MMA. Switching from judo was not difficult. MMA is a test of all-round skills, and one has to be a complete combat athlete,” she said.
Rise of Suchika Tariyal in Asian Games 2026
The Aichi-Nagoya Games have given Tariyal an opportunity to rewrite her Asian Games story.
At the 2022 Hangzhou Games, she competed in kurash but was unable to achieve the result she had hoped for. This time, she entered the competition with a dedicated MMA preparation and greater experience in the discipline.
“Life has given me a second chance at the Asian Games. In Hangzhou, it did not go the way I wanted because kurash was not popular in India and my preparation was not adequate. This time, I am fully prepared for MMA,” Suchika told SAI Media.
Tariyal was supported by the sports ministry’s Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) scheme as she prepared for the Aichi-Nagoya Games. Her recent form also included back-to-back bronze medals at the Asian MMA Championships in January and May this year.
Tariyal has also built a sizeable following outside the competitive combat-sports circuit. She has more than 300,000 followers on Instagram and has appeared on shows such as MTV Roadies and Prime Video’s India’s Ultimate Warrior.
Her achievements on the international stage and contribution towards women’s empowerment have also earned her recognition from the President and Prime Minister.
Suchika Tariyal to become inspiration for more Women to take up MMA
For Tariyal, her journey is about more than medals. She hopes her experiences will encourage young women to take up MMA and other combat sports, while also encouraging parents to support their children in such disciplines.
“I really want to inspire young women to take up MMA. I will be very happy even if one girl looks at me and says, ‘If Suchika can, I can too.’ In modern times, women need to defend themselves, and parents must let their children take up combat sports. MMA gives you that complete package. And women have a strong mindset to play combat sports. They can bear pain and can be more focused. If a woman can bear the pain of childbirth, MMA is nothing,” she said.
Before clinching the Bronze, Suchika stated, “There will be no easy fights. I am not thinking of results now. I don’t want to put myself under the pressure of expectation. I just want to give my 100% for India. For any fighter, a medal is the ultimate achievement, and I am no different,” she said.
Apart from her sporting career, Suchika was appointed as a Head Constable in CISF and subsequently joined the Department of Sports, Haryana, as a Junior Coach. Her bronze is the latest achievement in a career defined by success across multiple combat disciplines.
