Nagoya, Sept. 20 -- At 12, Suchika Tariyal took up Judo as a means of learning self-defence after an incident of eve-teasing. More than a decade later, that decision has taken her to the Asian Games podium, where she has secured India's first medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

Suchika defeated Mongolia's Altanchimeg Baigalmaa to book her place in the semifinal of the women's traditional 60kg MMA (mixed martial arts) event on Sunday, assuring herself of a medal and adding another chapter to an already remarkable combat-sports career.

Baigalmaa came out aggressively in the second and final round, looking to overturn the contest, but Suchika's defence held firm under sustained pressure. As her opponent continued to attack, Suchika produced a...