NEW DELHI, SEPT 24: Indian mixed martial artist Suchika Tariyal received a warm welcome at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday after returning home with a historic bronze medal from the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The 36-year-old athlete created history by becoming India’s first-ever Asian Games medallist in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Tariyal finished third in the women’s Traditional 60kg category, marking a landmark moment for Indian MMA, which made its Asian Games debut at the 2026 edition.
Tariyal began her campaign with a victory over Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa, securing her place in the semifinal and assuring India of its maiden MMA medal.
She then faced Singapore’s Teo Hui Hoon in a closely contested semifinal.
The bout was initially decided in the Singaporean fighter’s favour, but the Indian camp protested the decision and the result was subsequently reviewed and declared a draw.
The semifinal was ultimately settled through the competition’s tie-break procedure.
Reports said Teo was around 700 grams lighter than Tariyal at the official weigh-in, and the weight-based rule sent the Singaporean fighter into the final, leaving Tariyal with the bronze.
Speaking after her return, Tariyal expressed pride in winning a medal for India while also reflecting on the disappointment of missing the final.
She said her goal was to win a medal for the country and described the reception from supporters as an emotional moment.
Tariyal also credited her parents, family and husband Kapil Hooda for standing by her throughout her sporting journey, including during financial difficulties.
She urged young people to take up sports and said athletes should continue pursuing their passion regardless of age.
Her achievement has also drawn recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who congratulated Tariyal for securing India’s first Asian Games medal in MMA, describing the feat as a historic achievement and praising her dedication and zeal.
Despite the controversy surrounding the semifinal, Tariyal’s bronze has established a new milestone for Indian MMA and placed her name in the country’s Asian Games sporting history.
