Asian Games: Row erupts after Suchika wins India’s maiden MMA bronze

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Coach Nikhil Kunder challenges judges’ verdict, says contest went into extra round before Singapore’s Teo Hui Hoon was declared winner

Chandigarh, September 21

Indian mixed martial artist (MMA) Suchika Tariyal secured a historic bronze medal in the women’s traditional 60-kg event at the ongoing Asian Games after losing her contest to Singapore’s Teo Hui Hoon, even as her coach Nikhil Kunder challenged the judges’ verdict.

The result gave India its first medal in MMA at the Asian Games. Teo was awarded the contest by the judges, while Suchika finished with the bronze medal.

Following the competition, Kunder said the contest was level and went into an extra round. He said the Indian side had challenged the verdict and taken the matter to arbitration.

Kunder further claimed that one judge favoured India, while the other two judges awarded the extra-round decision to Singapore.

“We have challenged the decision. The match was a draw. We are waiting for arbitration results. Hoping it will change the final result. The fight was scored a draw, and it went into overtime. Two judges gave Singapore the decision and one gave it to India. So we have challenged,” the coach said.

Suchika had secured her place in the medal round before facing Teo Hui Hoon. She went on to become the first Indian MMA athlete to win a medal at the Asian Games.

The Indian side is now awaiting the outcome of the arbitration challenge over the judges’ verdict.