Varun Sanyal to debut in MMA at 2026 Asian Games

Indian fighter Varun Sanyal is set to compete in the men’s 77kg division at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, marking the debut of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as a medal sport. A two-time national champion and bronze medallist from the Asian AMMA Championships, Sanyal’s interest in combat sports was influenced by professional wrestling, cinema, and the success of Indian Olympic wrestlers.

Sanyal is part of a two-member Indian MMA contingent, alongside Suchika Tariyal Hooda, who will compete in the women’s 60kg category. Sanyal, a business management graduate from Queen Mary University of London, has trained in various disciplines including wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai.