Asian Games 2026: Suchika Tariyal Makes History with India’s First MMA Medal

Suchika Tariyal has scripted history at the 2026 Asian Games by becoming India’s first-ever medal winner in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The 36-year-old secured bronze in the women’s traditional 60kg category at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. She defeated Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 in the quarterfinals to assure herself of a medal before narrowly losing to Singapore’s Hui Hoon Teo in the semifinals. MMA is making its Asian Games debut at this edition.

Tariyal’s achievement comes after a long and challenging sporting journey. She began training in combat sports after an incident of harassment at the age of 12, initially taking up judo. She went on to represent India in international competitions and also competed in kurash and jiu-jitsu. She won a jiu-jitsu world title in 2024 and later returned her focus to MMA after a period away from the sport. Injuries, selection-related challenges and financial constraints also tested her career, but she continued competing and eventually reached the Asian Games podium.