New Delhi, Sept. 16 -- Suchika Tariyal, one of India's most versatile combat sports exponents, is pushing herself for a dream Asian Games 2026 podium finish in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition, which will make its debut at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

According to a SAI press release, an eve-teasing incident when she was just 12 forced the Rohtak girl to take up judo for self-protection. Little did Suchika know that one day she would become a hugely popular MMA athlete and youth icon with more than 300,000 Instagram followers and represent India on the global stage with considerable success.

Supported by the sports ministry's Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) scheme, Suchika will represent India in the traditional 60 kg category, a compet...