Suchika Tariyal Eyes Asian Games MMA Glory After Remarkable Combat Sports Journey

For Suchika Tariyal, the journey to the 2026 Asian Games MMA competition is more than another chapter in her sporting career. The 36-year-old is preparing for a second appearance at the continental multi-sport event, this time determined to make the opportunity count when MMA makes its Asian Games debut in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Tariyal's introduction to combat sports came from an incident that changed the course of her life. At just 12, an eve-teasing incident prompted the Rohtak-born athlete to take up judo for self-defence. What started as a means of protection eventually developed into a decorated sporting career.

Supported by the Sports Ministry's Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) scheme, Suchika will compete in the traditional 60kg category. She enters the Asian Games after winning back-to-back bronze medals at the Asian MMA Championships in January and May this year.

"This is a second chance for me at the Asian Games. In Hangzhou, it did not go the way I wanted because kurash was not popular in India and my preparation was not adequate. This time, I am fully prepared for MMA," Suchika told SAI Media.

Her sporting journey began with judo before she moved into Ju-Jitsu and eventually MMA in 2017. She has represented India in more than 20 international judo competitions and became an eight-time national champion. Her notable achievements include gold medals at the 2019 Commonwealth Judo Championships and South Asian Games, besides silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Judo Championships.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, she competed in the women's -57kg judo category, narrowly missing out on a medal.

She later made a major mark in Ju-Jitsu, winning gold in the Adults Ju-Jitsu Contact Female -63kg category at the 2024 JJIF Ju-Jitsu World Championships.

Suchika's MMA journey has also taken her onto the professional circuit. After making her MMA debut with a victory in 2017, she spent seven years concentrating on judo and Ju-Jitsu. In November 2024, she signed a multi-fight deal with BRAVE Combat Federation and returned to professional MMA at BRAVE CF 92 in Bahrain in December 2024, recording a win.

"Judo set me up for MMA, which for me is the ultimate level of combat sports. Because of judo I was skillful in ground fighting and grappling. I only had to learn the standing game and striking skills for MMA. Switching from judo was not difficult. MMA is a test of all-round skills and one has to be a complete combat athlete," explained Suchika.

Her sporting achievements have also brought recognition beyond the competition arena. She has been honoured by the President and Prime Minister of India for her contribution to Indian sport and has represented the country at four world championships and more than 30 international meets. She has also appeared on television shows including MTV Roadies and India's Ultimate Warrior on Prime Video.

A strong advocate for women taking up combat sports, Suchika hopes her journey can encourage a new generation.

"I really want to inspire young women to take up MMA. I will be very happy even if one girl looks at me and says 'if Suchika can, I can too.' In modern times, women need to defend themselves and parents must let their children take up combat sports. MMA gives you that complete package. And women have a strong mindset to play combat sports. They can bear pain and can be more focused. If a woman can bear the pain of childbirth, MMA is nothing."

Ahead of the Asian Games, Suchika has been training under coach Nikhil Kunder at One Punch Academy in Andheri, Mumbai. She expects a demanding competition but is choosing to focus on preparation rather than pressure.

"There will be no easy fights. I am not thinking of results now. I don't want to put myself under the pressure of expectation. I just want to give my 100% for India. For any fighter, a medal is the ultimate achievement and I am no different."