Asian Games mixed martial arts fighter Varun Sanyal was declared medically unfit for his quarter-final match after suffering from dizziness and cramps during a weight-cutting sauna session. The incident echoes wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification at the Paris Olympics due to being overweight, underscoring the demanding nature and potential health risks of extreme weight management in combat sports. Despite initial medical clearance, Sanyal felt unable to compete the following day, leading to his withdrawal on medical grounds after consultation with his coach. Experts caution against prolonged sauna use, recommending immediate cessation if symptoms like dizziness occur and emphasizing adequate rehydration to prevent dehydration and its associated risks.

Asian Games mixed martial arts fighter Varun Sanyal was declared medically unfit for his quarter-final match after suffering from dizziness and cramps during a weight-cutting sauna session. The incident echoes wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification at the Paris Olympics due to being overweight, underscoring the demanding nature and potential health risks of extreme weight management in combat sports. Despite initial medical clearance, Sanyal felt unable to compete the following day, leading to his withdrawal on medical grounds after consultation with his coach. Experts caution against prolonged sauna use, recommending immediate cessation if symptoms like dizziness occur and emphasizing adequate rehydration to prevent dehydration and its associated risks.

Asian Games mixed martial arts fighter Varun Sanyal was declared medically unfit for his quarter-final match after suffering from dizziness and cramps during a weight-cutting sauna session. The incident echoes wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification at the Paris Olympics due to being overweight, underscoring the demanding nature and potential health risks of extreme weight management in combat sports. Despite initial medical clearance, Sanyal felt unable to compete the following day, leading to his withdrawal on medical grounds after consultation with his coach. Experts caution against prolonged sauna use, recommending immediate cessation if symptoms like dizziness occur and emphasizing adequate rehydration to prevent dehydration and its associated risks.

Two years after wrestler Vinesh Phogat missed out on Olympic glory by just 100 grams, mixed martial arts fighter Varun Sanyal was declared medically unfit after suffering yet another weight-cut heartbreak at the Asian Games.

Sanyal, who was supposed to compete in the men's traditional 77kg quarter-final bout, was declared unfit ahead of the competition. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight ahead of her gold-medal bout, despite cutting her hair and wearing a smaller singlet.

What happened to Varun Sanyal?

According to officials, Sanyal grew dizzy during a sauna session that most fighters undergo as part of their weight-cutting process ahead of a bout. "Varun Sanyal suffered from generalised cramps and bodyache while in the sauna last evening in his cruise accommodation," the Indian Olympic Association said in a statement. "He underwent a 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."

"Fortunately, he was found in that state by an athlete from Nepal who woke him up. Varun was able to call me and we took him to hospital," MMA Sports Federation of India president Nikhil Kunder told PTI.

As per an article by Harvard Health, while sauna is preferred by people for various reasons, the temperature inside the chamber can cause blood vessels to widen, mimicking a mild workout but dropping blood pressure. Experts advise leaving the sauna immediately if it begins to feel lightheaded or dizzy, and cooling down gradually afterward. It is also important to ensure you hydrate afterward to replenish fluids lost from sweating.

For more information, consult a health expert. 

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