Varun Sanyal withdraws from Asian Games MMA after medical unfitness during weight cut

Varun Sanyal, one of two Indian MMA (mixed martial arts) fighters in the Asian Games squad, is a bronze medallist at the Asian Championships in China in January 2026.

Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal withdrew from the Asian Games after a medical issue. He experienced dizziness and muscle cramps during a weight cut sauna session. Sanyal, a medal prospect, was declared medically unfit for the competition. His teammate Suchika Tariyal advanced in her event, securing a medal. MMA's debut at the Asian Games faces challenges for Indian athletes.

Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal Aryamaan has been ruled medically unfit to compete at the Asian Games 2026 after suffering a health scare during his weight-cutting process. Varun reportedly passed out following a sauna session on a cruise ship while attempting to make weight for his scheduled competition. He was taken to hospital after being found by a Nepalese athlete and was later declared stable and out of danger.Asian Games: Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal’s campaign ended after he was declared medically unfit and failed to make weight before his men’s traditional 77kg quarter-final pic.twitter.com/CoFkMkiCC7— IANS (@ians_india) September 20, 2026 Who Is Varun Sanyal Aryamaan?Varun Sanyal Aryamaan is an Indian mixed martial arts athlete who was selected to represent the country at the 2026 Asian Games. He is the son of Sanjiv Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council. Varun was preparing to compete in the MMA event as part of India's contingent at the continental multi-sport competition.MMA fighters compete in specific weight categories, making weight management an important part of preparation before a bout. Varun was undergoing his final preparations ahead of Sunday's scheduled competition as he attempted to meet the required weight limit. His campaign was subsequently cut short before he could enter the competition.Shafali Verma Lights Up Asian Games 2026 Semi-Final, Smashes Record Century In IND-W Vs BAN-W ClashWhat Happened To Varun Sanyal Aryamaan?Varun reportedly passed out after a sauna session on a cruise ship while attempting to reduce his weight. A Nepalese athlete found him in that condition and woke him up, after which Varun was able to contact MMA Sports Federation of India president Nikhil Kundera. Indian officials then arranged for him to be taken to hospital for medical attention.Kundera said there was not much cause for concern and that Varun was brought back to the cruise ship at around 3am. The fighter was later reported to be stable, but medical officials ruled him unfit to compete after he suffered dehydration and muscle cramps. The decision ended Varun's Asian Games campaign before his scheduled MMA competition.

India’s Varun Sanyal’s Asian Games 2026 campaign came to an unfortunate end before he could step inside the MMA cage after he experienced dizziness and muscle cramps while attempting to make weight for his men’s traditional 77kg quarterfinal in Nagoya.According to The Indian Express reports, Sanyal experienced lightheadedness and muscle cramps after restricting food and fluids during his weight cut. A medical document stated that the symptoms occurred around 30 minutes after he underwent a sauna session. He was subsequently declared medically unfit and failed to make the required weight.What a sad end to Varun Campaign He went to Japan for his 1st Asian games & there also he suffered because of accomodation mess ..Now Doctor Declared him Medically unfit .... #AsianGames2026 https://t.co/SHUov0WB6O— Navin sports (@Navinsports) September 20, 2026 Sanyal was one of only two Indian MMA fighters competing at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where MMA is making its debut. His withdrawal meant he did not get the opportunity to compete in his scheduled quarterfinal and his Asian Games campaign ended before he could enter the cage.The setback came after Sanyal had also spoken about the difficulties he faced upon arriving in Nagoya. Having travelled from London to Mumbai before heading to Singapore and Japan, he described spending several hours moving between facilities while trying to sort out accreditation and accommodation issues. The ordeal added to the challenges of preparing for competition.While Sanyal's campaign ended prematurely, India has already secured a historic MMA medal through Suchika Tariyal Hooda. She defeated Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 in the women’s traditional 60kg quarterfinal to reach the semifinals, assuring India its first-ever Asian Games MMA medal as the sport makes its debut at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.