Varun Sanyal Ruled Out of Asian Games After Weight-Cut Medical Emergency

Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal has been ruled out of the 2026 Asian Games after being declared medically unfit ahead of his men's traditional 77kg quarter-final bout.

Sanyal suffered acute dizziness, lightheadedness, cramps and dehydration during a weight-cutting session in the sauna, forcing his withdrawal before the bout could take place.

The setback comes on a day when India's other MMA representative, Suchika Tariyal, advanced to the women's -60kg semifinal, guaranteeing India's first-ever Asian Games MMA medal.