India, Sept. 21 -- Suchika Tariyal won a historic MMA bronze for India at the Asian Games on Monday despite going down in the women's traditional -60kg semi-final against Singapore's Hui Hoon Teo. The bout ended in heartbreak for the 36-year-old, who was left in tears after learning she would not advance to the gold medal match. Drama unfolded in the minutes before the eventual winner was declared, as Suchika refused to approach the officials, seemingly unhappy with the impending verdict.

Once Suchika went up to the official at her coach's request, the referee raised the Singaporean opponent's hand, declaring her the winner. The Indian camp then challenged the decision, only to have its appeal rejected on a technicality. During the chall...