Suchika Tariyal Aims for Glory at Asian Games 2026 in MMA
Pursuing a Dream
Suchika Tariyal, a prominent figure in India's combat sports scene, is striving for a podium finish in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event at the upcoming Asian Games 2026, set to take place 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 learn judo for self-defense. This decision paved the way for her to become a celebrated MMA athlete and a role model for youth, amassing over 300,000 followers on Instagram while representing India internationally.
Aiming for Success
With support from the sports ministry's Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) initiative, Suchika will compete in the traditional 60 kg category. She has previously secured back-to-back bronze medals at the Asian MMA championships held in January and May this year. This marks Suchika's second appearance at the Asian Games; she previously participated in the 2022 Hangzhou edition, competing in kurash, a wrestling style where participants wear jackets and belts.
Reflecting on her past experience, Suchika stated, "Life has given me a second chance at the Asian Games. My previous performance in Hangzhou did not 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.
A Multifaceted Career
Suchika's journey began in judo, transitioning to Ju-Jitsu before 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.
She has represented India in over 20 international judo competitions, earning the title of eight-time national judo champion and securing numerous international medals. Notably, 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 also participated in various Asian judo championships and competed in the Women’s -57 kg category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she narrowly missed a podium finish.
Ju-Jitsu Achievements
Suchika expanded her horizons into Ju-Jitsu, achieving a significant milestone in 2024 by winning gold in the adults Ju-Jitsu Contact Female -63 kg category at the JJIF Ju-Jitsu World Championships. Her accomplishments in judo and Ju-Jitsu laid a solid foundation for her transition into MMA.
MMA Comeback
Making her MMA debut in 2017 with a victory, Suchika took a seven-year hiatus from the sport while continuing her success in judo and Ju-Jitsu. In November 2024, she signed a multi-fight contract with BRAVE Combat Federation in the Women’s Strawweight division, marking her return to professional MMA at BRAVE CF 92 in Bahrain in December 2024, where she achieved another victory.
Suchika explained, "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, and 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."
Inspiring the Next Generation
With her achievements, Suchika has gained significant recognition, receiving honors from both the President and Prime Minister of India for her representation in four world championships and over 30 international events. She serves as a beacon of athletic excellence, youth influence, and women's empowerment, having appeared on popular TV shows like MTV Roadies and India’s Ultimate Warrior on Prime Video.
Suchika expressed her desire to motivate young women to pursue MMA, stating, "I hope to inspire even one girl to think, 'If Suchika can do it, so can I.' In today's world, women must learn self-defense, 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 childbirth, MMA is manageable."
Preparing for the Challenge
As the Asian Games approach, Suchika acknowledges the fierce competition ahead. She has been rigorously training with coach Nikhil Kunder at the One Punch Academy in Andheri, Mumbai.
She remarked, "The fights will be challenging. I am not focusing on the results right now; I want to avoid the pressure of expectations. My goal is to give my all for India. For any fighter, winning a medal is the ultimate achievement, and I share that aspiration."