Suchika Tariyal Says Asian Games Bronze Is More Than Her Life

Suchika Tariyal had imagined walking away from MMA after the Asian Games, but her historic bronze medal in Nagoya has changed her plans.

The 36-year-old became India’s first Asian Games medal winner in Mixed Martial Arts after reaching the semifinals of the women’s Traditional 60kg event.

Her semifinal against Singapore’s Hui Hoon Teo ended in a draw, with Teo advancing on the basis of her lower weight. But for Suchika, the result could not diminish the significance of what she had achieved.

“This is more than my life. I will never forget that I came to Japan and got a medal for my country. I can now happily die,” Suchika told PTI in an emotional interaction after the bout.

From Commonwealth Heartbreak To Asian Games History

Suchika, who hails from Kiloi village in Haryana’s Rohtak district, has spent years trying to win a major international medal for India.

She competed in judo at the 2022 Commonwealth Games but narrowly missed out on a bronze medal.

“I have played in Commonwealth Games in judo, where I missed the fight of the bronze. So, I wanted to get a medal for my country, so that people know me,” she said.

Suchika also represented India in kurash at the 2023 Asian Games but returned without a medal.

Her career has nevertheless included a major international title, with the 36-year-old also a world champion in Jiu-Jitsu.

The Asian Games in Japan eventually gave her another opportunity to realise her long-held ambition.

“I got a second chance to represent myself here. I worked very hard for it,” she said.

Mary Kom Is Her Sporting Idol

Suchika’s inspiration is another Indian combat-sports icon — six-time world champion boxer Mary Kom.

“I adore Mary Kom didi since my childhood,” she said.

Suchika recalled seeing Kom during her own time at the national judo camp in Bhopal around 2009-10.

“She looked so cool with her dress and the way she conducts herself. She is my idol. I have never talked to her personally. If I get a chance, I would like to talk to her,” she said.

Financial Struggles Behind The Medal

The road to the Asian Games podium was not easy for Suchika, who comes from a family where her father is a retired government employee and her mother is a homemaker.

She said financial difficulties were a major challenge when she began her sporting career.

“I took unpaid leave from my department for training. Financially, I had a lot of problems,” she said.

Her husband played an important role in supporting her financially during her career.

“I would like to dedicate this medal to my parents and to my husband,” Suchika said.

Historic Bronze Changes Her Retirement Plan

Before the Asian Games, Suchika had considered ending her MMA career after the competition.

“I had thought of quitting MMA after the Asian Games. I am old now, so I wanted to stop playing,” she said.

But her performance in Nagoya has convinced her that she still has more to offer.

“Looking at today’s performance, I feel that I can do it,” she said.

Suchika also competes professionally for BRAVE Combat Federation and now hopes to return to the professional circuit.

“I do pro-fighting in ‘Brave’. Maybe, I will participate in the next fight in ‘Brave’,” she said.

Coach’s Absence Leaves Her With A Regret

While celebrating her historic medal, Suchika also pointed to the lack of a coach accompanying India’s two-member MMA contingent.

She said the coaches had supported the fighters with their own expenses but did not receive government assistance to travel with the team.

Suchika believes a coach’s presence could have helped her manage her weight before the semifinal.

“I feel that if there was a coach with us today, I would have been able to reduce my weight a little. And maybe I could have won,” she said.

Despite that lingering regret, Suchika leaves the Asian Games with a landmark achievement — India’s first MMA medal and a bronze that she considers one of the most important accomplishments of her sporting life.