Varun Sanyal Ruled Out of Asian Games

India suffered an unexpected setback at the Asian Games after MMA fighter Varun Sanyal was ruled out of the men’s traditional 77kg category. Sanyal reportedly experienced dizziness and muscle cramps and lost consciousness while using a sauna as part of his weight-cutting process. He was provided medical assistance and taken to hospital for evaluation. Although his condition later stabilised, doctors declared him medically unfit to compete. Reports also said that he had reduced his food and water intake while trying to meet the required weight. As a result, Sanyal was unable to compete in his scheduled quarter-final bout.

Sanyal was one of the two athletes selected to represent India in MMA at the Asian Games. He had won a bronze medal at the Asian MMA Championships in China in January 2026, raising expectations ahead of the continental event. However, the medical setback before his scheduled bout forced him to withdraw from the competition. With MMA making its debut as a medal sport at the Asian Games, his withdrawal comes as a setback for India’s campaign in the discipline.