Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Indian MMA Fighter Describes Chaos Before Asian Games Debut
Varun Sanyal traveled from India to Japan for the Asian Games.
His journey included flights through Singapore and a long wait.
When he arrived, officials could not find his name in the registration system.
He was sent between several places to solve the problem.
Many other athletes were also waiting or sleeping on floors.
The facilities provided water but no food, according to Sanyal.
This was difficult because fighters must carefully manage their weight and nutrition.
After more than 10 hours, he finally got a room.
He now wants to focus on preparing for his competition.
Varun Sanyal said he spent more than 10 hours moving between three facilities after arriving in Nagoya.
His accreditation card and visa were not recognized in the registration system at first.
Athletes reportedly waited, slept on floors, and lacked food while room assignments were sorted out.
Sanyal eventually received a room, but two Indian athletes initially claimed it as well.
He said the ordeal affected his nutrition and weight-cut preparation before his September 20 first round.
- Who
- Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal, along with other athletes and officials.
- What
- Sanyal described registration, transportation, accommodation, and food problems after arriving for the Asian Games.
- When
- The difficulties occurred on Thursday; Sanyal was scheduled to fight his first round on September 20.
- Where
- The problems occurred at facilities in Nagoya, Japan, including an exhibition center, a cruise ship, and another facility.
- Why
- His accreditation was not recognized in the registration system, and communication between facilities about athlete accommodation was poor.
- Athlete
- Varun Sanyal
- Country
- India
- Sport
- Mixed martial arts
- Event
- Men’s traditional 77 kg category
- Arrival location
- Nagoya, Japan
- Time spent resolving problems
- More than 10 hours
- Scheduled first round
- September 20