Varun Sanyal withdraws from Asian Games after sauna incident on Costa Serena

Varun Sanyal was forced to withdraw from the Asian Games in Nagoya on Sunday after being declared medically unfit following an incident in a sauna on the cruise ship Costa Serena while cutting weight.

The 27-year-old was a late addition to India’s squad and was entered in the traditional 77kg division; he was one of two MMA athletes representing the country at the Games.

Sanyal was found unconscious during the sauna session as he tried to reduce weight ahead of his quarterfinal fight. Medical personnel assessed him and diagnosed him as severely exhausted and dehydrated, after which officials declared him unfit to compete.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said in a statement: “Sanyal suffered from generalised cramps and body ache while in the sauna last evening... He underwent medical examination and precautionary blood tests, which were normal. Despite rest, the following morning, he felt not fully fit to participate in a combat sport. After consultation with his coach, he withdrew on medical grounds.”

Sanyal had earlier raised concerns about accommodation arrangements at the Games, saying he waited for almost 10 hours to get rooms.

After the medical assessment and consultation with his coach, Sanyal withdrew and will not contest his scheduled quarterfinal bout.