NAGOYA, September 20, 2026: India's Varun Sanyal was forced to withdraw from the 2026 Asian Games after being declared medically unfit for the men's traditional 77kg MMA quarterfinal following a weight-cutting incident at his cruise-ship accommodation in Nagoya.
Sanyal reportedly became dizzy and lost consciousness after restricting food and fluids and undergoing a sauna session as part of his effort to make the required weight. A Nepalese athlete found him unconscious and alerted others, after which he was taken to hospital for medical evaluation.
According to the Indian Olympic Association, Sanyal suffered generalised cramps and body ache while in the sauna. Medical examinations and precautionary blood tests were reported to be normal. After rest, however, he was still not considered fit to participate in a combat sport and, following consultation with his coach, withdrew on medical grounds.
MMA Sports Federation of India president Nikhil Kunder said Sanyal was taken to hospital and later returned to the cruise accommodation. He said the fighter was stable and had recovered sufficiently to return to the team.
Weight-cutting ends Asian Games campaign
Sanyal was attempting to reduce his weight ahead of his scheduled quarterfinal when the incident occurred. Reports based on his medical assessment said he experienced dizziness, light-headedness and muscle cramps after restricting food and fluids and using the sauna. He subsequently failed to make the required weight and was ruled out of the bout.
The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games mark the debut of MMA on the Asian Games programme. Sanyal was one of two Indian MMA competitors at the Games.
He had earned his place in the Indian squad after winning a bronze medal at the Asian MMA Championships in China in January 2026, raising expectations ahead of his Asian Games appearance.
Suchika Tariyal secures India's first MMA medal
While Sanyal's campaign ended before he could compete, India's other MMA representative, Suchika Tariyal, advanced to the semifinals of the women's traditional 60kg category.
Tariyal defeated Mongolia's Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 in the quarterfinal. Her progress to the last four guarantees India a medal in MMA, with the losing semifinalists receiving bronze medals.
