Varun Sanyal pulls out of the Asian Games after a dizzy spell during a sauna session at the weigh‑in.
The 77‑kg fighter, who earned bronze at the Asian Championships in China, had been hailed as a medal prospect when he arrived in Japan.
At exactly 30 minutes after stepping into the sauna, Sanyal complained of dizziness, light‑headedness and muscle cramps, as recorded in the medical assessment.
MMA India president Nikhil Kunder and a teammate rushed him to the medical tent where doctors declared him unfit for competition.
Sanyal’s journey from a business‑management graduate to a top‑tier MMA fighter has drawn attention, but the sudden collapse cut his campaign short.
India still has hope: Suchika Tariyal won her quarter‑final and will face a semi‑final opponent on Friday.