Varun Sanyal: Rising Star in MMA Ahead of Asian Games 2026
A Promising Athlete in Mixed Martial Arts
Bronze medalist at the Asian Championships held in China in January 2026, Varun Sanyal is poised to be a strong contender in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which will debut at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya. As a professional athlete, Varun is part of a two-member Indian team representing the nation in this rapidly growing sport across Asia.
Suchika Tariyal Hooda, who competed for India in kurash at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, will also participate in the women's 60 kg category, according to a statement from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Academic Background and Early Influences
Varun, who graduated with first-class honors in business management from Queen Mary University of London, will compete in the men's traditional 77 kg division in Aichi-Nagoya. His fascination with combat sports was sparked by WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling). Inspired by the achievements of Indian wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt at the 2012 London Olympics, Varun's passion for the sport grew.
"Watching our Olympians succeed really drew me towards martial arts and eventually towards MMA. It is a primal form of sport and competition, and I found it naturally appealing. It also teaches essential life skills, such as self-defense, maintaining composure under pressure, and making critical decisions in challenging situations," Varun shared with SAI Media.
A Legacy of Excellence
Varun hails from a distinguished family known for its intellectual and public service contributions. His father, Sanjeev Sanyal, is a prominent economist and author, serving on the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. Additionally, Varun's great-granduncle, Sachindranath Sanyal, was a notable revolutionary and co-founder of the Hindustan Republican Association, contributing to India's freedom movement.
Meeting the Prime Minister
Varun's WhatsApp profile features a photo with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I felt immense pride representing MMA in front of the Prime Minister, sharing insights about the sport with him. 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 expressed.
A Multifaceted Sporting Journey
Varun's path in MMA is remarkable, shaped by a diverse sporting background. Growing up in Singapore, he engaged in various sports, including cricket, football, athletics, squash, and powerlifting, before transitioning to wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and ultimately MMA.
"I fondly remember my father taking me to the field to kick a football or play squash. He encouraged me to stay active, even enrolling me in taekwondo classes when I was younger. His support has been unwavering throughout my journey, including his growing interest in MMA," Varun noted.
Challenges on the Road to the Asian Games
Varun believes the Asian Games will be transformative for MMA in India. "The journey has been challenging. I won the MMA SFI Nationals in 2025, qualifying for the Asian AMMA Championships in January 2026, where I secured 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," he explained.
"I received confirmation of my participation in the Asian Games just two weeks prior to the event, making mental and physical preparation quite challenging. But that's part of being an athlete," Varun added.
The Future of MMA in India
Is MMA a viable career option in India? Varun believes the government's increasing awareness and interest in the sport is a positive development. "While we still seek support from various sources to sustain our careers, I am grateful for the sponsorship from Raphe mPhibr and other supporters. MMA is still emerging, and I trust that conditions will improve over time," he stated.
Appreciating Federation Support
Varun acknowledged Nikhil Kunder, the president of the national federation, for his efforts in promoting MMA in India. "I understand the challenges involved in organizing nationals and events, often funded from personal resources. While it's encouraging that the government is paying more attention to MMA, I hope this interest translates into direct support for athletes," he concluded. "With two Indian athletes now ranked among the top six in Asia, I believe we can expand our representation across all weight categories in MMA, similar to wrestling and boxing."