Indian MMA Fighter Varun Sanyal Withdraws from Asian Games Due to Medical Issue

Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal has been ruled out of the Asian Games after being declared medically unfit for the competition at the weigh-in process.

The athlete felt dizzy at a sauna for weight cut and passed out at the facility. He was reportedly tended to by a fellow athlete and MMA India president Nikhil Kunder.

Medical Assessment

A document assessing his condition stated that while undergoing weight loss, including food and fluid restriction, Varun experienced dizziness, lightheadedness, and muscle cramps 30 minutes after taking a sauna.

He was taken to a doctor and then declared medically unfit for competition.

IOA Statement

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) released a statement saying that Varun Sanyal suffered from generalized cramps and bodyache while in the sauna last evening in his cruise accommodation.

He underwent a medical examination and precautionary blood tests, which were normal. Despite rest, the following morning, he felt not fully fit to participate in a combat sport.

After consultation with his coach, he withdrew on medical grounds.

Varun Sanyal's Background

Varun Sanyal is a bronze medallist at the Asian championships in China in January 2026. He had entered as a serious medal prospect in MMA, a discipline that is making its debut at the Asian Games.

Varun is a first-class business management honours graduate from Queen's Mary University of London. His initial interest in combat sports was influenced by WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and TNA (Total Nonstop Action wrestling).

A Rocky Balboa fan, Varun’s interest deepened after watching Indian wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt succeed at the 2012 London Olympics.

Varun comes from a distinguished family with a strong intellectual and public-service background. He is the son of Sanjeev Sanyal, noted economist, author and member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, and Smita Barooah.

His family also has a significant legacy associated with India’s freedom movement, with his great-granduncle Sachindranath Sanyal being a prominent revolutionary and co-founder of the Hindustan Republican Association.