Varun Sanyal (Photo-X) New Delhi: India's MMA fighter in 77kg category, Varun Sanyal was ruled out of the Asian Games after being declared medically unfit for the competition at the weigh-in process. “While undergoing weight loss, including food and fluid restriction, experienced dizziness, lightheadedness, and muscle cramps 30 minutes after taking a sauna,” said a document assessing his condition.

He was reportedly tended to by a fellow athlete and MMA India president Nikhil Kunder. He was taken to a doctor and then declared medically unfit for competition.

Varun is one of the two Indian MMA fighters in India's Asian Games squad and had a challenging integration at the continental competition. Like many other athletes, he had faced a challenging time with getting a room upon arrival in Japan.

The other MMA fighter in the squad -- Suchika Tariyal -- won her quarter-final bout and confirmed a medal for India. She will next take part in the semi-finals of women’s 60kg event.

What did IOA say? " Varun Sanyal suffered from generalized cramps and bodayache 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," the Indian Olympic Association said in a statement. Who is Varun Sanyal?

A bronze medallist at the Asian championships in China in January 2026, Sanyal 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). “Seeing our Olympians succeed really drew me towards martial arts and eventually towards 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 under physical threat are incredibly important skills. Having to make decisions under pressure, sometimes with very serious consequences, has been one of the biggest learnings I’ve taken from MMA,” Varun told SAI Media.