Suchika Tariyal Aims for Glory in MMA at Asian Games 2026

Suchika Tariyal's Journey to the Asian Games

New Delhi, September 16: Suchika Tariyal, a prominent figure in India's combat sports scene, is gearing up for a remarkable performance at the upcoming Asian Games 2026, where Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) will make its debut in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

A press release from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) reveals that an incident of eve-teasing at the age of 12 motivated Suchika, hailing from Rohtak, to take up judo for self-defense. This decision paved the way for her to become a celebrated MMA athlete and a role model for the youth, amassing over 300,000 followers on Instagram while proudly representing India on the international stage.

With support from the sports ministry's Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) initiative, Suchika will compete in the traditional 60 kg weight class, where she has previously earned bronze medals at the Asian MMA championships held in January and May of this year.

This marks Suchika's second appearance at the Asian Games. In the 2022 edition in Hangzhou, she participated in kurash, a wrestling style that involves competitors wearing jackets and belts. Reflecting on her past experience, Suchika stated, “Life has given me a second chance at the Asian Games. My performance in Hangzhou didn’t meet my expectations due to the lack of popularity of kurash in India and insufficient preparation. This time, I am fully ready for MMA,” she shared with SAI Media.

Suchika began her athletic journey as a judoka before transitioning to Ju-Jitsu and finally embracing MMA in 2017. She initially trained at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and later at the Dada Dev Mandir Centre in Palam, refining her skills at SAI Bhopal.

Her accomplishments in judo are noteworthy, having represented India in over 20 international competitions and securing the title of national judo champion eight times. She clinched gold at the 2019 Commonwealth judo championships and the 2019 South Asian Games, following a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth judo meet.

Suchika has also competed in various Asian judo championships. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, she participated in the Women’s -57 kg category, narrowly missing a podium finish, which provided her with invaluable experience at the highest levels of international judo.

In 2024, she achieved a significant milestone in Ju-Jitsu by winning gold in the adults Ju-Jitsu Contact Female -63 kg category at the JJIF Ju-Jitsu World Championships. Her success in both judo and Ju-Jitsu laid a solid foundation for her transition into MMA.

Suchika made her MMA debut in 2017 with a victory but took a seven-year hiatus to focus on her judo and Ju-Jitsu career. In November 2024, she signed a multi-fight contract with BRAVE Combat Federation in the Women’s Strawweight division and returned to professional MMA at BRAVE CF 92 in Bahrain, securing a win.

“Judo prepared me for MMA, which I consider the pinnacle of combat sports. My judo background equipped me with skills in ground fighting and grappling. I only needed to learn striking techniques for MMA. Transitioning from judo was seamless. MMA tests all-around skills, requiring one to be a complete combat athlete,” Suchika explained.

Her achievements have garnered her recognition, including honors from the President and Prime Minister of India for her representation in four world championships and over 30 international events, showcasing athletic excellence, youth influence, and women's empowerment. Suchika has also appeared on popular TV shows like MTV Roadies and India’s Ultimate Warrior on Prime Video.

“I aspire to inspire young women to pursue MMA. I would be thrilled if even one girl looks at me and thinks, ‘If Suchika can do it, so can I.’ In today’s world, women need to be able to defend themselves, and parents should encourage their children to engage in combat sports. MMA offers a comprehensive skill set, and women possess a strong mindset for these sports. If a woman can endure the pain of childbirth, MMA is a manageable challenge,” she stated.

Suchika acknowledges the fierce competition she will face at the Asian Games. She has been rigorously training with coach Nikhil Kunder at the One Punch Academy in Andheri, Mumbai.

“There will be no easy matches. I’m not focusing on the results right now; I don’t want to burden myself with expectations. My goal is to give my all for India. For any fighter, winning a medal is the ultimate achievement, and I share that sentiment,” she concluded.