Who is Suchika Tariyal, India's first Asian Games MMA medallist?

Suchika Tariyal scripted history on Monday by becoming the first Indian to win a medal in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at the Asian Games. The 36-year-old secured bronze in the women’s traditional 60kg category at the 2026 Asian Games, which marks the sport’s debut at the continental event.

Suchika’s medal was confirmed after she reached the semi-finals, following a 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa. She then faced Singapore’s Teo Hui Hoon in the last four.

The Indian fighter took the bout into overtime but eventually lost the closely fought contest on the judges’ decision.

Suchika’s emotional semi-final

The result made for an emotional finish. When the official called both fighters to the stage for the winner’s announcement, Suchika initially refused to go up, apparently anticipating the outcome.

She eventually followed the instructions of the Indian coaches and walked onto the stage. After the verdict went against her, she returned in tears.

Despite the semi-final defeat, her run had already secured India’s first-ever Asian Games medal in MMA.

From judo to MMA

Suchika’s sporting journey began with judo. A native of Rohtak, Haryana, she took up the sport at the age of 12 after an eve-teasing incident motivated her to learn self-defence.

She went on to become an international-level judoka, representing India at more than 20 international competitions. She is also an eight-time National Judo Champion.

Among her major achievements are gold medals at the 2019 Commonwealth Judo Championships and the 2019 South Asian Games.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Suchika competed in the women’s -57kg category and reached the bronze medal bout.

Her return to professional MMA

Suchika made her MMA debut in 2017 before stepping away from the sport for seven years. During that period, she continued competing in judo and Ju-Jitsu.

She returned to professional MMA after signing a multi-year contract with BRAVE Combat Federation in the women’s Strawweight division in 2024. Her professional comeback came at BRAVE CF 92 in Bahrain in December that year.

Outside competition, Suchika has also worked in public service. She was appointed as a Head Constable in the CISF before joining the Haryana Department of Sports as a Junior Coach.