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Varun Sanyal Ruled Out After Asian Games Weight-Cut Collapse

Varun Sanyal Ruled Out After Asian Games Weight-Cut Collapse
Asian Games 2026: Varun Sanyal withdraws after dehydration during MMA weight cut · CNBC TV 18

Varun Sanyal Aryamaan is an Indian mixed martial arts fighter.

He was supposed to compete in the men’s traditional 77-kilogram event at the Asian Games.

Before competing, he used a sauna to help lose enough weight.

He became very tired and dehydrated and passed out.

A Nepalese athlete found him and helped him get medical attention.

Sanyal was taken to a hospital and later returned to the athletes’ cruise ship.

Doctors said his tests were normal and that he was stable.

However, he still did not feel well enough for a combat sport, so he withdrew from the Games.

Key facts

Athlete
Varun Sanyal Aryamaan
Age
27
Sport
Mixed martial arts
Event
Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026
Scheduled competition
Men’s traditional 77kg quarterfinal
Medical findings
Generalised cramps, body ache, exhaustion and dehydration; precautionary blood tests were normal
Outcome
Withdrew on medical grounds before competing

Quotes

Nikhil Kundera

President of the MMA Sports Federation of India

“There was nothing to be worried about. He was brought back to the cruise ship around 3:00am. He was hydrated, the doctors here are attending to him. He is stable, can speak and is out of trouble.”
telegraphindia.com CNBC TV 18
“Fortunately, he was found in that state by an athlete from Nepal who woke him up. Varun was able to call me and we took him to hospital.”
telegraphindia.com CNBC TV 18 rediff.com

Indian Olympic Association

India’s national Olympic body

“He underwent a medical examination and precautionary blood tests, which were normal. Despite rest, the following morning, he felt not fully fit to participate in a combat sport. After consultation with his coach, he withdrew on medical grounds,”
telegraphindia.com

Sources

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