Asian Games: MMA’s Varun Sanyal declared medically unfit to try to cut weight after getting dizzy in sauna

New Delhi: Indian MMA fighter in the 77kg category Varun Sanyal has been ruled out of the Asian Games after he was declared medically unfit to compete at the weigh-in. The athlete felt dizzy in the sauna due to weight loss and passed out in the facility.“During weight loss, including food and fluid restriction, he developed dizziness, lightheadedness and muscle spasms 30 minutes after sauna use,” the document evaluating his condition states.He was reportedly being looked after by his fellow athlete and president of MMA India Nikhil Kunder. He was taken to a doctor and then declared medically unfit to compete.Varun is one of two Indian MMA fighters in the Indian Asian Games team and has had a tough integration into the continental competition. Like many athletes, he faced a difficult time getting a room after arriving in Japan.The other MMA fighter in the team – Suchika Tariyal – won the quarter-final match to confirm a medal for India. She will next participate in the semifinals of the women’s 60 kg event.

What did the IOA say?

“Varun Sanyal suffered generalized convulsions and body aches while in the sauna at his accommodation on the cruise ship last night. He underwent a medical examination and preventive blood tests which were normal. Despite rest, he did not feel fully fit to participate in the combat sport the next morning. After consulting his coach, he withdrew on medical grounds,” the Indian Olympic Association said in a statement.

Who is Varun Sanyal?

A bronze medalist at the Asian Championships in China in January 2026, Sanyal entered as a serious medal prospect in MMA, a discipline making its Asian Games debut.Varun is a first-class honors graduate of 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 fan of Rocky Balboy, Varun’s interest deepened after watching Indian wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt succeed at the 2012 London Olympics.“Seeing our Olympians succeed is what really drew me to martial arts and ultimately to MMA. MMA is in many ways the most primal form of sport and competition, so I was naturally drawn to it. It’s also a life skill. Learning how to defend yourself, stay calm under pressure and make decisions when you’re in physical danger are incredibly important skills. Learning under pressure, sometimes with very serious consequences, said MAI,” said Varun. Media.Varun hails from a distinguished family with a strong intellectual and public service background. He is the son of Sanjeev Sanyal, a noted economist, author and member of the Economic Advisory Council of the Prime Minister of India, and Smita Barooah. His family also has a significant heritage associated with the Indian freedom movement, with his great-great-uncle Sachindranath Sanyal being a prominent revolutionary and co-founder of the Hindustan Republican Association.Growing up in Singapore, he was involved in cricket, football, athletics, squash and powerlifting before moving on to wrestling, jiu-jitsu and muay thai and finally MMA.“Growing up, I remember my father taking me to the pitch and kicking football with me. He would take me to play squash, sometimes we’d go on random runs and he’d make us exercise together. Even when I was very young, he’d put me in Taekwondo lessons, even though I wasn’t particularly interested in it at the time. Growing up, I started doing a lot of gym, whether it was strength cricket, the gym.“MMA took a little time for him to get to but I can’t deny how supportive he has been throughout my journey. When it comes to MMA, he always discusses it with me and tries to understand the sport a bit more. He supports me in any way he can,” said Varun.The Asian Games, feels Varun, will be crucial for the sport in India. “The road was a little bumpy. I won the MMA SFI Nationals in 2025, which qualified me for the AMMA Asian Championships in January 2026 in China, where I won a bronze medal. This meant that I was officially placed in the Asian system.”“However, at that time it was not very clear who qualified for the Asian Games or what the qualification process would look like. It was not very clear from the Asian side how the qualification process would work. So rather than sit and wait, I decided to focus on my professional career.“I finally got the final confirmation to go to the Asian Games just two weeks before the Games itself. So obviously mentally and physically preparing for something of this magnitude in such a short period of time was quite challenging. But I guess that’s part of the sport. That’s the sport,” Varun said.