Indian MMA Team Faces Mixed Fortunes at the Nagoya Asian Games

When the Asian Games rolled into Nagoya this year, India sent a small but eager mixed‑martial‑arts squad – just two athletes, but each carrying big hopes. The spotlight fell first on Varun Sanyal, a 77 kg contender who had already earned a bronze at the Asian Championships in China earlier this year.

On the evening of Sunday, however, things took an unexpected turn. While relaxing in the sauna of his team’s accommodation, Varun started to feel a wave of cramping and a nagging body ache. He tried to shake it off with rest, but by the next morning the discomfort lingered, making the prospect of stepping into the ring feel risky.

Team doctors ran the usual checks – a quick physical exam and precautionary blood work – and, thankfully, nothing alarming showed up. Still, the fighter himself told his coach he wasn’t at 100 % and didn’t want to gamble his health or his performance. On that basis, the Indian Olympic Association announced his withdrawal on medical grounds.

“Varun suffered generalized cramps and body ache in the sauna last night,” the IOA’s statement read. “Even after rest and a clean medical assessment, he felt unfit to compete and, after consulting his coach, opted to pull out.”

While Varun’s campaign hit a sudden pause, his teammate Suchika Tariyal was busy writing a different chapter. Competing in the women’s 60 kg division, she breezed through her quarter‑final bout, out‑maneuvering Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa. Baigalmaa pushed hard in the second round, but Suchika’s defense held firm, earning her a spot in the semi‑finals and securing India’s first MMA medal at these Games.

Mixed‑martial‑arts is making its debut on the Asian Games stage, and both fighters have become early ambassadors for the sport back home. Varun’s withdrawal is a reminder of the physical toll combat sports can exact, while Suchika’s success highlights the promise of Indian MMA on the continental scene.

Fans will now turn their eyes to the upcoming semi‑finals, hoping the Indian team can add another medal to its tally, and to Varun’s recovery – hoping he’ll be back stronger for the next big event.