Tariyal’s camp initially protested the referee’s decision and although the bout ended in a draw, a winner had to be determined but this time it happened in the most unusual manner
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Suchika Tariyal after the women’s traditional 60kg fight at Asian Gams 2026(Credits: PTI)
Just a day after securing a spot in the semi-finals of the women’s traditional 60kg Mixed Martial Arts, Suchika Tariyal endured major heartbreak as she had to settle for a bronze medal despite producing a sensational performance against Singapore’s Hui Hoon Teo, who proceeded to the finale but not on the basis of merit.
It was a closely fought battle between Suchika and Hoon Teo as both kept going at each other but once the fight ended, there was no clear cut winnerThe reason is absolutely shocking and one that Tariyal was not able to handle as she broke down in tears and fell on her knees when the referee raised the Singaporean’s hand.
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Hui Hoon Teo was awarded with a spot in the finale on the basis of weight and just because she was 700 grams lighter than Suchika Tariyal, who was in absolute distraught when the result was announcedDuring the weigh-in which took place on the morning of the fight, Suchika was found heavier than her opponent, meaning she had to settle for a third place in the podium.
Tariyal’s camp initially protested the referee’s decision and although the bout ended in a draw, a winner had to be determined but this time it happened in the most unusual mannerSuchika was reluctant to go to the ring referee for the post-match proceedings but upon insistence from her coaches, she went in to the mat.
And once the referee raised the Singaporean’s hand, Suchika got down on her knees and broke downShe spoke to PTI after the bout and stated that it was not a fair result“I am a little disappointed with the result of today’s bout because I thought I won the fightI am not able to agree with the resultI was saying that this is not fair,” Suchika said.
The 36-year-old from Haryana said that she was far more superior than her opponent in the match, yet Suchika is proud of the fact that she is the first Indian to win a medal in MMA at the continental showpiece.
“I won both my rounds very well because I took her downShe did not even take me downYes, there could have been two-three connecting punchesI also landed a connecting punchAnd in the last minute, she was going back and forthI have given my 100 per cent and worked hard to reach hereI am happy I have won a bronze medal for the country,” Suchika concluded.
Her bronze medal confirmed India’s sixth medal at the Asian Games.
