Mr India Jagdish Lad’s death shocks fraternity

Jagdish Lad. Pic/Ashish Rane

International bodybuilder and former Mr India, Jagdish Lad, 34, passed away due to COVID-19 in a Baroda hospital on Friday.

Lad earned several medals for Maharashtra at the National Championships and won silver at the Mr World competition held in Mumbai in 2014.

Hailing from Kundal village in Sangli district, Lad settled in Navi Mumbai before moving to Ahmedabad two years ago. He managed a local gym.

"Jagdish was one of the top bodybuilders in India. Whichever competition he participated in, he won medals whether it was Maharashtra Shri, Mr India or World Championships. It happened so suddenly and I am shocked to hear that he is no more," said World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation's secretary Chetan Pathare.

"After Jagdish's sad demise, we immediately called off our next competition - Mr India. We don't want any more casualties. My message to all bodybuilders is to stay home, stay safe and keep yourself healthy," added Pathare, who is also associate secretary of the Indian Body Builders Federation.