Varun Sanyal arrived at the Asian Games hoping to make his debut but faced an unfortunate end to his campaign before competing. The Indian MMA fighter lost consciousness in a sauna while attempting to meet the 77kg weight limit. His sudden selection to the Indian team, just two weeks before the event, significantly contributed to his lack of preparation.

Sanyal expressed that he was dealing with various issues, including accommodation challenges and a lack of support staff within the Indian MMA contingent. “I had no choice but to manage my weight cut alone,” he stated, reflecting on the moment with regret.

On September 21, 2026, Sanyal voiced his feelings about the situation, describing his decision to cut weight solo as “foolish” in hindsight. He indicated that the public should question why he was left without assistance during such a critical phase of preparation.

Medical Incident and Response

Sanyal experienced a blackout while trying to achieve his desired weight in the sauna of his cruise accommodation on September 20. Fortunately, he was discovered by a fellow athlete from Nepal, who promptly revived him. Following the incident, he contacted MMA Sports Federation of India president Nikhil Kunder, leading to his transfer to the hospital for medical evaluation.

Kunder assured that there was no cause for concern, stating that Sanyal was stable and returned to the cruise ship around 3:00 am after being treated. The Indian Olympic Association reported that he had suffered from general cramps and body aches during the sauna session. After receiving medical tests, Sanyal was advised to withdraw due to not feeling fit enough to participate in combat sports.

Ultimately, after consulting with his coach, he made the decision to withdraw from the competition, thereby concluding his participation in the Asian Games without stepping into the cage. The incident raises questions about the management of athlete safety and well-being.

Challenges of Late Selection and Weight Management

Varun Sanyal’s selection to the Asian Games occurred after significant uncertainty regarding the qualification process. Though he qualified back in January, confusion led him to shift his attention towards his professional career. He was preparing for a different fight when he learned of his inclusion on September 2. This late notification left him with insufficient time to prepare adequately for the 77kg category.

Upon his arrival, Sanyal also faced various accommodation issues. With no support staff accompanying the Indian MMA team in Japan, he was isolated during critical moments of his weight management strategy. His situation has highlighted the necessity of providing adequate resources for athletes, especially those in combat sports.

The importance of weight management in combat sports is profound, as rapid weight loss can pose serious health risks. This is especially true when drastic measures are employed, such as dehydration, which can lead to severe complications, including dizziness and unconsciousness. Sanyal’s incident underscores the need for careful supervision during weight cuts in combat sports.

Reflections on Missed Opportunity

Sanyal expressed his disappointment at missing the chance to compete, stating that he had looked forward to showcasing his skills on a prominent platform. Despite his frustrations, he acknowledged the accomplishment of fellow athlete Suchika Tariyal, who secured a bronze medal in the women’s traditional 60kg category.

He remarked on the challenges faced by the organisation over the past year, suggesting a need to focus on achievements rather than setbacks. “Despite all the challenges, we came out with a medal; it is huge,” he added, reflecting on the broader context of the event.

Sanyal’s experience has become a point of scrutiny regarding the frameworks in place for supporting athletes during competitions. His circumstances bring forward critical discussions about ensuring the health and preparation of fighters in high-stakes contests.

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