Varun Sanyal Reflects on Asian Games Withdrawal: A Mission Accomplished in Spirit

Reflections on a Missed Opportunity

Varun Sanyal, an Indian MMA fighter, expressed his thoughts on missing the Asian Games due to health issues, describing it as a 'mission failed, successfully.' Despite not being able to compete, he felt honored to be part of the Indian team and contribute to the legacy of MMA in the country. Sanyal expressed gratitude to those who supported him during this challenging time, noting that his experiences helped shine a spotlight on MMA in India. He viewed the increased awareness of the sport as a significant achievement.

"Mission Failed.. Successfully. The last 3 weeks have been absolutely mental and there is so much to address. However, I want to start by saying thank you to everyone that messaged. Even if I didn't step on the mat, I'm proud to have been part of this team and Indian MMA history at the Asian Games. Even if it was at my expense, my stories were able to bring a new level of attention to the sport and I'll take that as a win," Sanyal shared in an Instagram post.

Withdrawal Details

Sanyal had to withdraw from the Asian Games held in Nagoya after experiencing cramps and body aches while in the sauna at his accommodation. Although medical tests returned normal results, he still felt unfit to compete on Sunday morning. After consulting with his coach, he made the decision to withdraw for medical reasons.

MMA's Historic Participation

As one of two Indian fighters in the MMA squad, Sanyal is a bronze medalist from the Asian Championships held in China in January 2026. This year marks the debut of MMA at the Asian Games, highlighting the sport's growing recognition on a continental level.