Asian Games 2026: Varun Sanyal calls solo weight cut ‘foolish’ after sauna blackout

The Indian MMA fighter was forced to withdraw from the men’s traditional 77kg event after exhaustion and dehydration caused him to pass out during a sauna session.

Updated : Sep 21, 2026 18:22 IST , CHENNAI - 3 MINS READ

File Image: Varun Sanyal was forced to withdraw from the Asian Games MMA competition after suffering exhaustion and dehydration. | Photo Credit: Varun Sanyal/Instgram

India’s mixed martial arts fighter Varun Sanyal on Monday said his blackout during a sauna session at the Asian Games was likely the result of a “foolish” attempt to cut weight by himself, while suggesting that circumstances had left him with little choice.

Sanyal was forced to withdraw from the MMA competition on Sunday without competing after exhaustion and dehydration caused him to pass out during a sauna session. He was subsequently declared medically unfit to compete.

“I came here on two weeks’ notice, I found out relatively late. I obviously had a bunch of accommodation issues, and then I was all by myself on a weight cut. In retrospect, that was quite foolish of me to do,” Sanyal told PTI in an exclusive interview.

“I had no choice but to do it by myself. That’s a question, to be honest, I would like the public to ask, why was I alone? But, you know, things happen, life goes on. I don’t want to sit here and feel sorry for myself.”

Sanyal, who was entered in the men’s traditional 77kg category, was included in the Indian team on September 2. Suchika Tariyal, who won bronze in the women’s traditional 60kg event, was the other member of the Indian MMA contingent. The team travelled to the Games without support staff.

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“Yeah, absolutely, I am disappointed. I had wanted to participate and show off my skills. I have big aspirations for myself in this sport, and I have backed myself to do well. But yeah, I have move on.

“I think rather than focusing on what could happen, we focus on what did. And despite all the challenges that the federation has faced over the last year, we came out with a medal, it is huge.

“So, yeah, rather than disappointed, I’m more proud of such a good result.”

Sanyal, son of economist Sanjeev Sanyal, said he had qualified for the Asian Games in January but uncertainty over the selection process prompted him to turn his attention towards his professional career.

“I qualified for Asian Games back in January. But there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the qualification process. So, I decided to shift focus to my professional career. And I didn’t want the slot to go empty.

“There was another athlete who had put his hands up and he qualified, or he went for the qualifications in Uzbekistan back in May.

“However, he didn’t rank high enough in Asia. I was fourth ranked in Asia. I was getting ready for a professional fight in the cage. And then, on two weeks’ notice, I found out that my name was announced (for Asian Games). So, here I am.”

Sanyal had earlier spoken about the logistical difficulties he faced after arriving for the Games, including a lengthy wait for accommodation.