- Sanyal was due to compete in the men’s traditional 77kg MMA quarterfinal.
- He reportedly suffered dizziness, lightheadedness, dehydration and muscle cramps.
- The withdrawal brings an early end to India’s MMA challenge for Sanyal.
Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal was ruled out of his Asian Games 2026 quarterfinal after being declared medically unfit ahead of his bout. The Indian fighter was unable to make the required weight after experiencing health issues during his weight-cutting process.
According to several reports, Sanyal experienced dizziness and lightheadedness after using a sauna as part of his efforts to reduce weight.
The document, which was translated from Japanese, reportedly provided details of the circumstances that led to the fighter being withdrawn from the competition.
Varun Sanyal Experiences Health Issues
As per reports, Sanyal had been restricting food and fluid intake while attempting to make the required weight for his event. He subsequently used a sauna as part of the weight-loss process.
The medical document reportedly stated that Sanyal experienced “dizziness, lightheadedness, and muscle cramps 30 minutes after taking a sauna” while restricting food and fluid intake to lose weight.
The symptoms raised concerns over his condition ahead of the quarterfinal, with the fighter ultimately unable to continue in the competition.
Sanyal Declared Unfit By Doctor
Sanyal's withdrawal came after he failed to make weight and was subsequently assessed by the medical team.
BIG BREAK MMA and Varun Samyal
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) September 20, 2026
Very unfortunate Varun Samyal. He was helping Suchika. Then went to the Sauna for weight cut. Passed out at 1am.
Thankfully was discovered by a Nepal athlete. He helped take him to the doctor. The Indians rushed there with Nikhil Kunder the… pic.twitter.com/jJ5u9YQLfw
According to the document cited by The Indian Express, “Varun couldn’t make weight as he was declared unfit by the doctor.”
The decision meant that Sanyal could not take part in his scheduled quarterfinal, bringing his Asian Games campaign to an early end.
Weight Cutting Under The Spotlight
Weight cutting is a common part of combat sports, with fighters often attempting to reach their designated weight category before competition.
However, rapid weight reduction through food and fluid restriction, along with methods such as sauna use, can place significant stress on the body.
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In Sanyal's case, the reported symptoms during the weight-cutting process ultimately prevented him from competing in the quarterfinal.
The Indian fighter's withdrawal is another setback for India's MMA campaign at the Asian Games 2026, as he had been hoping to make an impact in the competition.
Sanyal was looking to make some personal records in Asian Games 2026 for him and India. Unfortunately his campaign came to an end after this incident.