Asian Games 2026: How Suchika Tariyal’s historic MMA gold dream derailed by 700 grams

Indian MMA star Suchika Tariyal clinched a historic bronze in the women’s traditional 60kg event at the Asian Games 2026 on Monday. But her semifinal defeat to Singapore’s Hui Hoon Teo sparked controversy after the result was awarded to Teo on the basis of her lower weight.

The controversy erupted after the gruelling battle between Tariyal and Teo ended in a draw after regulation time. The Singaporean had launched a vicious attack in the last few seconds, but the Indian MMA star got her down right when the buzzer rang.

When neither fighter managed to gain an advantage, the match was extended for an extra minute. Notably, both athletes thought they had done it as they celebrated at the final buzzer.

700 grams became the deal-breaker

Initially, the match was ruled in Teo’s favour, leading to a challenge from the Indian camp, and they paid USD 1000 to change the result to a draw. The judges reviewed the footage and determined it was a draw.

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Under the rules, Teo was declared the winner after being 700 grams lighter than Tariyal, a technicality that ultimately decided the semifinal outcome.

“After the Indian challenge, the result of the bout was declared drawn. The winner was then decided on the basis of the weights of competing athletes according to morning weigh-in.

“Since the Singaporean was lighter than Suchika by around 700 grams, she moved to the final. Suchika settled for bronze,” MMA Sports Federation president Nikhil Kunde said to PTI.

Suchika Tariyal still made history

When the decision was announced in Hui Hoon Teo’s favour, Tariyal broke down on the mat, visibly inconsolable as her coach rushed to console her. She did not immediately go across to shake hands with her opponent or the referee.

Despite the semifinal loss, Tariyal’s bronze was a historic achievement after becoming India’s first MMA medalist at the Asian Games.