Varun Sanyal: A Rising Star in MMA Ahead of Asian Games 2026

Varun Sanyal, a bronze medalist at the Asian Championships, is set to represent India in MMA at the Asian Games 2026. With a rich sporting background and a supportive family, Varun's journey reflects his dedication to the sport. He shares insights on the challenges faced in his career and expresses hope for the future of MMA in India. As he prepares for this significant event, Varun's story is one of inspiration and ambition, making him a notable figure in the world of martial arts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 14, 2026, 23:58 IST

Varun Sanyal's Journey to the Asian Games

New Delhi, September 14: Varun Sanyal, who clinched a bronze medal at the Asian Championships in China earlier this year, is poised to be a strong contender in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya. As a professional athlete, he is part of a two-member Indian team representing a sport that is rapidly gaining traction across Asia.

Joining him is Suchika Tariyal Hooda, who competed in kurash at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou and will participate in the women's 60 kg category, as announced by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Varun, who graduated with honors in business management from Queen Mary University of London, will compete in the men's traditional 77 kg division. His passion for combat sports was sparked by WWE and TNA, and he was inspired by Indian wrestlers like Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt during the 2012 London Olympics.

Influences and Family Background

Varun expressed, "Witnessing the success of our Olympians inspired my journey into martial arts and ultimately MMA. This sport embodies the essence of competition and is a vital life skill, teaching self-defense, composure under pressure, and critical decision-making during physical threats. The lessons learned from MMA have been invaluable," he shared with SAI Media.

Hailing from a family with a rich intellectual and public service legacy, Varun is the son of Sanjeev Sanyal, a prominent economist and author, and Smita Barooah. His lineage includes a significant connection to India's freedom struggle, with his great-granduncle, Sachindranath Sanyal, being a notable revolutionary and co-founder of the Hindustan Republican Association. Varun's WhatsApp profile features a photo with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A Proud Moment and Future Aspirations

"I felt immense pride representing MMA in front of the Prime Minister and introducing him to the sport. Although our interaction was brief, it was a significant moment for me. I hope that as MMA grows in India, PM Modi will take a deeper interest in it," Varun remarked.

His MMA journey is remarkable not just for his accolades but also for the diverse sports background that has shaped him. Growing up in Singapore, he engaged in cricket, football, athletics, squash, and powerlifting before transitioning to wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and finally MMA.

"I fondly recall my father taking me to the field to kick a football or play squash. He encouraged me to exercise and even enrolled me in taekwondo classes at a young age, despite my initial disinterest. His support has been unwavering throughout my journey, including his gradual acceptance of MMA," Varun noted.

Varun believes the Asian Games will be pivotal for MMA in India. "The journey has had its challenges. Winning the MMA SFI Nationals in 2025 qualified me for the Asian AMMA Championships in January 2026, where I earned a bronze medal, officially ranking me within the Asian system. However, the qualification process for the Asian Games was unclear, prompting me to focus on my professional career instead."

The Future of MMA in India

"I received confirmation of my participation in the Asian Games just two weeks prior, which posed a significant mental and physical challenge. But that's the nature of sports," Varun explained.

When asked about the sustainability of a career in MMA in India, he stated, "The government has recently shown increased interest in MMA, which is a positive development. However, we still seek support from various sources to sustain our careers. I am grateful for the sponsorship from Raphe mPhibr and the support I've received over the years. I believe that as MMA continues to evolve, conditions will improve."

Varun acknowledged Nikhil Kunder, the president of the national federation, for his efforts in promoting MMA in India. "I understand the challenges he faces, as many events and training expenses have been funded out of pocket. While it's encouraging that the government is paying more attention to MMA, I hope this interest translates into tangible support for athletes."

"With two Indian athletes now ranked among the top six in Asia, I see no reason why we can't have more. I envision a future where we fill all weight categories in MMA, similar to wrestling and boxing," Varun concluded.