Suchika Tariyal denied Asian Games gold shot after 700 gm tie-break in women's 60 kg MMA

Suchika Tariyal lost to Singapore's Hui Hoon Teo at the 2026 Asian Games on September 21, missing a place in the final of the women's traditional 60 kg MMA event after a tied outcome was decided by weight. The result left Tariyal with a bronze medal instead of a shot at gold.

Tariyal secured what has been described as a historic bronze in the women's traditional 60 kg category, but tournament rules prevented her advancing to the title fight. The contest featured contrasting styles: Tariyal relied on judo to take her opponent down and deliver heavy blows, while Teo used superior boxing to control exchanges on the feet. Early action was close, setting up a match that required judges to separate the two athletes.

The first round was awarded to Teo, leaving Tariyal needing a comeback, which she produced in the second round by again bringing Teo to the mat and controlling her there. Tariyal was unable to trap Teo's arm on that occasion, but the judges gave her the second round, sending the bout into a one-minute overtime period.

In the extra minute, Teo regained control of the fight while Tariyal attempted to land punches without success. At the announcement of the decision Tariyal was visibly emotional, declined to join the referee and Teo in the centre, and protested the outcome.

Following the bout, the MMA federation lodged a protest and paid USD 1000 to have the outcome changed from a loss to a tie for review. Although bouts are usually judged by three officials, a total of 10 judges examined the footage and concluded the contest should be declared a draw.

Asian MMA rules prescribe a sequence to break ties in overtime: first check whether either athlete received warnings; if both have the same number of warnings, consider any advice they received; if that is also identical, compare pre-competition weights; if those match, compare post-competition weights; if still identical, the three assistant referees raise flags to decide the winner. Applying this procedure, officials compared pre-competition weights and found Teo to be lighter by 700 gms, leading to a decision recorded as Break Tie by Weight in favour of Hui Hoon Teo.

Tariyal, 36, finished the tournament with the bronze medal in the women's traditional 60 kg event at the Asian Games.