Suchika Tariyal scripts history, assures India of first Asian Games medal

India's Suchika Tariyal secured the country's first medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after defeating Mongolia's Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 in the women's Traditional Mixed Martial Arts 60kg quarterfinal on Sunday.The 36-year-old produced a composed performance to book her place in the semifinals, where she will compete on Monday. With both losing semifinalists guaranteed bronze medals, Tariyal's progression into the last four ensures India will return from the event with a medal.The achievement is particularly significant as MMA is making its Asian Games debut at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.Tariyal's latest success adds another chapter to an unusual combat sports journey that has taken her across several disciplines. She represented India in judo at the 2022 Commonwealth Games before competing in kurash at the 2023 Asian Games. In 2024, she also became a Jiu-Jitsu world champion.Having stepped away from competitive sport, Tariyal eventually returned after encouragement from friends.