NEW DELHI, SEP 14 (IANS): India’s Varun Sanyal will mark a historic moment when Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) makes its debut at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya. A two-time national champion and bronze medallist at the Asian AMMA Championships in China (January 2026), Sanyal will compete in the men’s traditional 77kg division, representing India alongside Suchika Tariyal Hooda in the women’s 60kg category.
Varun’s path to MMA was unconventional. Growing up in Singapore, he played cricket, football, athletics, squash, and later took up powerlifting. His fascination with combat sports began with WWE and TNA wrestling, and the inspirational story of Rocky Balboa. Watching Indian wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt succeed at the 2012 London Olympics further pushed him towards martial arts.
He eventually trained in wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA, combining multiple disciplines to build his competitive edge. For Varun, MMA is not just a sport but a life skill, teaching him self-defense, composure under pressure, and decision-making in high-stakes situations.
Varun credits his father, economist and author Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, for being a constant source of encouragement. From football and squash sessions to taekwondo classes in his childhood, his father nurtured his sporting interests. Though initially hesitant about MMA, Sanjeev Sanyal has since become deeply supportive, even engaging in discussions to better understand the sport.
Varun’s road to the Asian Games was far from straightforward. After winning the MMA SFI Nationals in 2025, he qualified for the Asian AMMA Championships, where his bronze medal earned him a place in the Asian rankings. However, the qualification process for the Games remained unclear, leaving athletes uncertain.
Varun received final confirmation of his selection just two weeks before the Games, forcing him to prepare mentally and physically in a short span. He acknowledged the challenge but emphasized that unpredictability is part of sport.
Varun believes MMA’s inclusion in the Asian Games could be transformative for the discipline in India. While government interest in MMA has grown recently, he feels athletes still lack adequate institutional backing. He expressed gratitude to Raphe mPhibr, his sponsor, and others who have supported him over the years.
He also praised the efforts of national federation president Nikhil Kunder and his team, who have personally funded events, training, and expenses to sustain MMA in India. Varun hopes government recognition will soon translate into direct support for athletes.
With MMA now part of the Asian Games programme, Varun sees an opportunity to expand India’s presence in the sport. Currently, two Indian athletes are ranked in the top six in Asia, but he believes the country can eventually field competitors across all weight categories, similar to wrestling and boxing.
Varun’s debut at the Asian Games is not just about personal achievement but also about paving the way for future Indian fighters. His journey, shaped by passion, resilience, and support, reflects the growing potential of MMA in India.
