A tired and frustrated Indian MMA fighter sleeps in a sauna, disqualified from the Asian Games

Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal’s Asian Games campaign ended in unfortunate circumstances after he passed out in a sauna while trying to make weight. On Sunday 20 September, just before his 77 kg quarter-final bout, Sanyal was declared ineligible by the officials.

The Indian Express reported that medical reports indicated that the mixed martial artist was facing muscle spasms and dehydration and was found unfit for action. Revsportz reported that Sanyal was helping fellow Indian MMA fighter Suchik Tariyan before going to the sauna to cut weight. According to reports, the 27-year-old passed out around 1am and was discovered by a Nepali athlete who helped take him to a doctor.

Indian officials, including MMA India president Nikhil Kundera, rushed to the scene to help Sanyal. However, the doctor subsequently declared him medically unfit and excluded him from the planned competition at the Asian Games. Varun Sanyal. (Photo: Insta)

BLAME THE ASIAN GAMES?

The incident brought a disappointing end to an already physically and mentally demanding campaign for Sanyal.

The Indian fighter arrived in Nagoya after a long journey from London via Mumbai and Singapore before being caught up in accommodation chaos that disrupted the arrival of several athletes for the Games.

In an account published by The Indian Express, Sanyal revealed that he spent more than 10 hours moving between different facilities after his accreditation failed to register in the system. He eventually got a room but had to deal with another mix-up when two Indian athletes also demanded the same room.

By the time he finally fell asleep, Sanyal said his body was exhausted. As a combat sports athlete, he also had the added challenge of losing weight and maintaining nutrition before competing.

“My body was exhausted when I fell on the bed,” said Sanyal.

Sanyal was scheduled to represent India in the men’s traditional 77kg MMA category at the Asian Games. However, his campaign ended before he could step into the competitive arena.

HOW THE ASIAN GAMES MISMANAGED THE ATHLETES

The problems faced by Sanyal were part of a wider logistical mess that affected several athletes arriving in Nagoya for the Asian Games.

Athletes from multiple contingents reportedly faced delays in getting rooms after arriving at the Games Village, with some left waiting for hours before accommodation was sorted out. Sanyal’s own experience was particularly prolonged, with the Indian fighter moving between various facilities for more than 10 hours before finally being given a break.

The suspension came at a particularly difficult time for combat sports athletes, who must carefully manage their recovery, nutrition and weight in the days leading up to competition.

For Sanyal, the long wait and uncertainty meant losing precious time before the opening match. When he finally reached his room, he said that his body was already exhausted.

“My body was exhausted when I fell on the bed,” said Sanyal.

His experience also highlighted the logistical difficulties athletes face at the Games, with accommodation delays adding another layer of difficulty to an already demanding competition schedule.

For Sanyal, these problems were followed by an even more unfortunate outcome. He never got the chance to start his Asian Games campaign as he was declared medically unfit before the scheduled match.

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

20 Sep 2026 11:57 IST