Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal ruled out of Asian Games 2026 after passing out in sauna

Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal Aryamaan has been declared medically unfit to compete in the Asian Games 2026 after experiencing dehydration and muscle cramps during his weight reduction process. The 77kg quarterfinal bout against Mukhammad Nabiev of Bahrain was cancelled due to Sanyal's inability to compete. The incident occurred following a sauna session where he passed out, leading to his discovery by a Nepalese athlete who then sought medical assistance.

Indian officials, including MMA India president Nikhil Kunder, were also quick to help the fighter. Despite being the son of Sanjiv Sanyal, an advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory Council, Sanyal's campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games has come to a premature end. His experiences, including the difficulties faced upon arrival and the chaotic accommodation situation, further emphasize the challenges faced by athletes during the Games.