Varun Sanyal disqualified from Asian Games after weight cut emergency

Indian mixed martial arts fighter Varun Sanyal has been disqualified from the Asian Games after being declared medically unfit. Sanyal, a late addition to the Indian squad, suffered from dizziness, lightheadedness, and muscle cramps while attempting to make weight for his 77kg quarter-final bout.

Reports indicate the medical emergency occurred after Sanyal used a sauna to assist with his weight cut, which involved food and fluid restriction. He reportedly passed out around 1 am and was taken to a hospital before returning to the athlete accommodations.

Sanyal’s withdrawal follows previous complaints regarding accommodation and administrative chaos in Japan. While Sanyal will return home without competing, the other Indian MMA representative, Suchika Tariyal, successfully won her quarter-final bout in the women’s traditional 60kg category.