Prolific Indian bodybuilder Ashish Sakharkar made waves in the country with his jacked physique and won several prestigious titles. He also gained popularity for his charismatic personality on social media. On July 19, The Siasat Daily reported Sakharkar passed away at 43 years old late Tuesday night after succumbing to a prolonged illness.
Ashish Sakharkar first made a name for himself with his monstrous physique on the regional Maharashtrian circuit. He scored his first major victory by winning Mr. Maharashtra. His popularity started growing tremendously around the country as he won the esteemed Mr. India title four times.
Sakharkar amassed a following for his insane dedication to the sport. He was regarded as one of the best contenders in the history of the Mr. India competitions. Participating in the 80-kg weight category, he led a decorated career with four Federation Cup Championships and a European Championship under his belt.
Besides his list of wins, he scored a silver in both Mr. Universe and Mr. Asia. He also won the Maharashtra government’s Shiv Chhatrapati Award, the highest prestigious sports award in India for the exemplary example he set in bodybuilding.
Former Mr. India Ashish Sakharkar Passes Away at 43 after Long Battle with Illness
According to The Siasat Daily, Indian Body Builders Federation General Secretary Hiral Sheth told IANS that Sakharkar had been hospitalized after suffering from health issues in South Mumbai. The specific details of the matter have not been disclosed up to this point.
Sakharkar is survived by his wife and son.
Ekanth Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra State, paid his tributes to the loss of Sakharkar on Twitter.
“Ashish Sakharkar, who won many prestigious titles like Mr. Maharashtra, four times Mr. India, Mr. Universe, has sadly passed away,” wrote Shinde. “Heartbroken by the death of Ashish Sakharkar, a respected figure in the bodybuilding world. His departure has caused an immeasurable loss to the bodybuilding industry. We pray that God bless his soul and give strength to the members of the Sakharkar family to recover from this grief. A heartfelt tribute.”
महाराष्ट्र श्री, चार वेळा मिस्टर इंडिया, मिस्टर युनिव्हर्स अशा अनेक नामांकित किताबांवर आपली मोहोर उमटवणारे आशिष साखरकर यांचे दुःखद निधन झाले आहे. बॉडीबिल्डिंग विश्वातील मान्यवर असलेल्या आशिष साखरकर यांच्या निधनाने मन हेलावून गेले आहे. त्यांच्या जाण्याने बॉडी बिल्डिंग क्षेत्राचे… pic.twitter.com/ux8bNdpmjC
— Eknath Shinde – एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) July 19, 2023
Following the news of the death of Ashish Sakharkar, his latest post on Instagram made headlines. Sakharkar was an active user on his social media channels, posting content from his bodybuilding contests and regularly engaging with his fans. His last post was a snap of him from Mr. Universe 2011.
“Mr Universe mumbai 2011 the most memorable day of my Life,bronze medal,” wrote Sakharkar.
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Ashish Sakharkar will be deeply missed in the bodybuilding community for his many contributions, and his legacy will continue to live on. The team of Fitness Volt sends its condolences to the friends and family of Sakharkar during this time.