Suchika Tariyal confirms first medal for India at Asian Games with MMA semifinal berth

Suchika Tariyal assured India of its first medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games , defeating Mongolia's Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 to storm into the semifinals of the women’s Traditional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) 60kg event, on Sunday (September 20, 2026).

The 36-year-old veteran, who has carved out a multi-discipline combat sports career spanning judo, kurash, jiu-jitsu and now MMA, will fight in the semifinals on Monday (September 21).

A place in the semifinals guarantees a medal in the event, with the two losing semifinalists awarded bronze. MMA is making its Asian Games debut at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

Tariyal's medal-winning run is the latest chapter in a sporting journey that saw her represent India in judo at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and in kurash at the 2023 Asian Games. She was also crowned Jiu-Jitsu world champion in 2024.