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

Suchika Tariyal assured India’s first medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games by reaching the women’s traditional 60kg MMA semifinal after defeating Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa.

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. She opted to take up MMA and began another chapter in her career, overcoming several challenges along the way, including a knee injury, to earn her place in India's Asian Games contingent.

Her quarterfinal against Baigalmaa saw Tariyal maintain control as she secured a 2-0 victory. The Mongolian, ranked 92nd in the Eurasia region, was unable to prevent the experienced Indian from advancing to the semifinals.Tariyal will now have an opportunity to add to her medal tally when she takes the mat again on Monday. Regardless of the outcome in the semifinals, her run has already delivered India its first medal of the Aichi-Nagoya Games.For a competitor who has moved between judo, kurash, jiu-jitsu and MMA, the medal is another milestone in a career defined by transitions across combat sports. Her Asian Games debut in MMA has now guaranteed her a place on the podium.