Athlete Withdrew From Asian Games After Sauna Collapse
Varun Sanyal was ruled medically unfit to compete after suffering from dehydration during a weight-cutting session.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Weight Loss
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Varun Sanyal withdrew from his Asian Games quarterfinal bout after being declared medically unfit. The athlete reportedly passed out in a sauna while attempting to reach his weight category.
Why it matters
Combat athletes often use rapid dehydration to hit specific weight classes, but these extreme measures can lead to dangerous health complications and disqualification. Athletes often delay this process to avoid long-term calorie deficits that can cause weakness and low energy during training.
Medical evaluation confirmed mild dehydration and blood urea nitrogen at the high end of the normal range for Sanyal. Experts recommend a weight reduction of 1 to 1.25kg per week, rather than the 4kg lost overnight by the athlete.
The players
Varun Sanyal
He is a combat athlete who was withdrawn from the Asian Games due to medical complications from weight cutting.
Vinesh Phogat
She is a combat athlete who previously failed to make weight for a final bout at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The details
Sanyal lost consciousness 30 minutes after entering a sauna as part of a final effort to make weight. Combat athletes often attempt to shed up to 4kg in a single night through sweating and fluid restriction to compete in lower weight classes.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: Varun Sanyal withdrew from the Asian Games bout.
2024: Vinesh Phogat attempted weight cutting at the Paris Olympics.
The Big Picture
This withdrawal follows a pattern set by Vinesh Phogat's failed weigh-in at the 2024 Paris Olympics. These incidents highlight the recurring physical dangers inherent in rapid weight-cutting practices within international combat sports.
These medical incidents serve as a warning about the physical strain of extreme dehydration and rapid weight fluctuation. Anyone pursuing significant weight reduction should follow recommended, gradual guidelines of 1 to 1.25kg per week to avoid severe health complications.
The takeaway
Rapid weight loss through dehydration poses significant immediate risks to an athlete's cardiovascular and renal health. Safely managing competition weight requires long-term planning rather than relying on extreme last-minute measures.
Further reading
Learn more about the health implications of restrictive dieting in our Weight Loss section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hindustan Times.
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