At the age of 12, an incident of eve-teasing prompted Suchika Tariyal to learn judo so she could defend herself. What started as a self-defence decision eventually developed into a remarkable career spanning judo, Ju-Jitsu and mixed martial arts.
As a 12-year-old, Suchika picked up judo after an eve-teasing incident at a unisex salon left her helpless. “I went to a unisex salon and the barber touched me inappropriately,”. “I felt that I should have something for my own defence. I should have some fighting skills with which I can fight back.”, according to The Indian Express.
On Sunday, the 36-year-old Rohtak-born fighter created history at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games by becoming the first Indian athlete to win an Asian Games medal in MMA.
Tariyal defeated Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 in the women’s traditional -60kg quarterfinal, booking her place in the semifinals and assuring India of at least a bronze medal. MMA is making its debut at the Asian Games this year.
From Self-Defence To International Combat Sports
Tariyal’s decision to take up judo after the incident at 12 was not initially made with the intention of building an international sporting career. However, over the years, she developed into one of India’s most experienced and versatile combat-sports athletes.
She started her journey with judo before moving into Ju-Jitsu and eventually making her MMA debut in 2017.
Her judo career was decorated with eight national titles and several international achievements. She won gold at the 2019 Commonwealth Judo Championships and the 2019 South Asian Games, besides claiming silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Judo Championships.
Tariyal also represented India at multiple Asian championships and competed in the women’s -57kg category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she narrowly missed out on a medal.
Ju-Jitsu Success And MMA Comeback
Tariyal continued to expand her combat-sports career by moving into Ju-Jitsu. Her transition brought another significant achievement when she won gold in the adults Ju-Jitsu Contact Female -63kg category at the 2024 JJIF Ju-Jitsu World Championships.
She had made her MMA debut with a victory in 2017 but subsequently took a seven-year break from the sport while continuing her judo and Ju-Jitsu journey.
In December 2024, Tariyal returned to professional MMA after signing with BRAVE Combat Federation. She marked her comeback with a victory at BRAVE CF 92 in Bahrain.
Explaining how her judo experience helped her transition into MMA, she said:
“Judo set me up for MMA, which for me is the ultimate level of combat sports. Because of judo, I was skilful 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,” she said.
A Second Chance At The Asian Games
The Aichi-Nagoya Games have given Tariyal an opportunity to rewrite her Asian Games story.
At the 2022 Hangzhou Games, she competed in kurash but was unable to achieve the result she had hoped for. This time, she entered the competition with a dedicated MMA preparation and greater experience in the discipline.
“Life has given me a second chance 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.
Tariyal was supported by the sports ministry’s Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) scheme as she prepared for the Aichi-Nagoya Games. Her recent form also included back-to-back bronze medals at the Asian MMA Championships in January and May this year.
Her Popularity Extends Beyond Combat Sports
Tariyal has also built a sizeable following outside the competitive combat-sports circuit. She has more than 300,000 followers on Instagram and has appeared on shows such as MTV Roadies and Prime Video’s India’s Ultimate Warrior.
Her achievements on the international stage and contribution towards women’s empowerment have also earned her recognition from the President and Prime Minister.
Tariyal Wants To Inspire More Women To Take Up MMA
For Tariyal, her journey is about more than medals. She hopes her experiences will encourage young women to take up MMA and other combat sports, while also encouraging parents to support their children in such disciplines.
“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,” she said.
‘I Just Want To Give My 100% For India’
With a medal already assured, Tariyal is now turning her attention towards the upcoming semifinal rather than dwelling on the historic achievement.
She acknowledged that the remaining bouts would not be easy but said she does not want to burden herself with expectations about the final result.
“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,” she said.
