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 in MMA on September 20, 2026 | Photo Credit: Special arrangement 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.After stepping away from sport, Tariyal returned to competition after being encouraged by friends and chose MMA as her new challenge. She has since battled through a knee injury and several hurdles to make her Asian Games debut in the sport.Against Baigalmaa, who is ranked 92nd in the Eurasia region, Tariyal controlled the contest to seal a 2-0 victory and a place in the last four. Published - September 20, 2026 09:45 am IST