Suchika Tariyal Makes History as India's First MMA Medallist at Asian Games

Suchika Tariyal has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian to win a medal in mixed martial arts at the Asian Games, securing a bronze in the women's -60kg category. Her journey included a narrow semifinal loss to Singapore's Hui Hoon Teo, but her achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian MMA. Tariyal's career spans various combat sports, including judo and Jiu-Jitsu, and her return to MMA after a hiatus has been inspiring. This historic medal not only highlights her personal success but also signifies India's emerging presence in the sport on a continental level.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 21, 2026, 13:09 IST

Historic Achievement in Mixed Martial Arts

File image of veteran athlete Suchika Tariyal(Photo: @SDhawan25/X)

Nagoya, Sep 21: On Monday, Suchika Tariyal made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in mixed martial arts at the Asian Games, securing a bronze in the women's traditional -60kg category during the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

Tariyal's remarkable journey concluded in the semifinals, where she faced a tough match against Singapore's Hui Hoon Teo, ultimately losing in overtime by a slim margin. This defeat dashed her hopes of competing for gold but guaranteed her a place on the podium in MMA's inaugural appearance at the Asian Games.

The outcome was understandably disappointing for Tariyal, who showed visible emotion upon hearing the result. Nevertheless, the 36-year-old leaves Aichi-Nagoya with a significant medal that represents a pivotal moment for Indian MMA on the international stage.

She advanced to the semifinals after a strong performance against Mongolia's Altanchimeg Baigalmaa in the quarterfinals, winning decisively with a score of 2-0, thus becoming the first Indian to secure an Asian Games medal in MMA.

This bronze medal adds to Tariyal's impressive career, which spans various combat sports. A national-level judoka, she previously represented India at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, reaching the bronze medal match, and later competed in kurash at the 2023 Asian Games.

In addition, she has made her mark in Jiu-Jitsu, clinching a world title in fighting Jiu-Jitsu in 2024.

Tariyal's journey in MMA began with her professional debut in 2017, where she won her first fight. After a seven-year hiatus to focus on judo and Jiu-Jitsu, she returned to MMA, signing a multi-fight contract with BRAVE Combat Federation in November 2024.

Her comeback followed a challenging period, including a knee injury, and she gained further recognition through her participation in the reality TV show Roadies.

MMA is among six sports debuting at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, alongside freestyle BMX, teqball, padel, surfing, and virtual taekwondo.

Despite not reaching the finals, Tariyal's bronze medal signifies India's immediate impact in this sport's first appearance at the Asian Games, marking a historic milestone for Indian MMA at this prestigious multi-sport event.