Nagoya, Sept 22:
India’s Suchika Tariyal has become the country’s first Asian Games medal winner in Mixed Martial Arts, securing bronze in the women’s traditional 60kg category in Nagoya.
The 36-year-old’s semifinal against Singapore’s Hui Hoon Teo ended in a draw, with Teo progressing on the basis of her lower weight. Despite missing out on a place in the final, Suchika secured a historic bronze.
The medal carried enormous personal significance for the Haryana fighter. Suchika, who hails from Kiloi village in Rohtak district, recalled missing a bronze-medal bout at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in judo and failing to win a medal at the Asian Games in Kurash.
She also revealed the financial difficulties she faced during her sporting career, including taking unpaid leave to train. She credited her husband for supporting her financially and dedicated the medal to her parents and husband.
Suchika said she had considered retiring from MMA after the Asian Games, but her performance has encouraged her to continue. She also expressed disappointment that the two-member Indian MMA team did not have a coach accompanying them, saying that additional support could have helped her manage her weight better before the semifinal.