Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association: Suchika Tariyal’s historic Asian Games MMA campaign ended with a bronze medal after a controversial semifinal defeat, with coach Nikhil Kunder explaining that the result was ultimately decided by the lesser-weighed contestant rule, following arbitration that declared the bout a draw.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Suchika had initially been awarded a defeat against Singapore’s Hui Hoon Teo, prompting the Indian camp to lodge a protest against the decision.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Following the protest, the bout went into arbitration, where the judges reviewed the contest and rescored it. Kunder said the re-evaluation did not produce a winner, leaving the result tied and bringing the weight criterion into play.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
“We were confident that Suchika had won the fight. According to the rule, when arbitration happens, we select three judges. Those three judges get a chance to score the bout again. After they scored the bout again, it was declared a draw,” Kunder said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He explained that once the bout was declared a draw, Singapore had the option to either pursue counter-arbitration or rely on the weight criterion under the rules of the Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
“Now when it’s a draw, the opposition team, Singapore here, has an option. They can either counter-arbitrate or they can go with the weight criteria. These are AMMA (Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association) rules. This is in accordance with the rules of the AMMA Federation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
“Singapore chose not to pursue counter-arbitration and instead went with the lesser-weighed contestant. Unfortunately, Suchika was 700 grams heavier than her. And on those grounds, this match has been awarded to her opponent,” he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kunder maintained that the weight-based outcome did not reflect his assessment of Suchika’s performance during the fight. “But if you look at the technicalities and scoring of the fight, Suchika won.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n
“Singapore chose not to pursue counter-arbitration and instead went with the lesser-weighed contestant. Unfortunately, Suchika was 700 grams heavier than her. And on those grounds, this match has been awarded to her opponent,” he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
MMA is among the sports making their Asian Games debut at Aichi-Nagoya, making Suchika's bronze a landmark result for Indian combat sports.<\/p>\r\n\r\n