Mr. India Bodybuilder Succumbs to Covid-19
As the situation deteriorates in India due to the second wave of the novel coronavirus, a bodybuilding star has lost his life. Jagdish Lad breathed his last on April 30 in a hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The 34-year old bodybuilder was on oxygen support in his final four days. There has been a shortage of hospital beds, ventilators, life-saving medicines, and medical oxygen in India as the number of COVID-19 cases in the country is hitting a new record high every day.
Coming From Humble Beginnings
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Jagdish Lad came from a small village, Jundal, in Sangli District but moved to Navi Mumbai to work on his bodybuilding career. He represented India and his native state Maharastra in various bodybuilding competitions.
Jagdish Lad’s impressive physique won him many titles. His biggest achievements include winning the Bharat Shri title and earning a silver medal at the 2014 WBPF World Championship in the 90 kg men’s category.
The Deadly Virus
The new strain of the virus is proving to be deadly in India. Lad was not the first Indian bodybuilder to have succumbed to COVID-19. Manoj Lakhan was another bodybuilding rising star who left too soon.
Jagdish Lad retired from competitive bodybuilding in 2017 and moved to Baroda, Gujarat where he set up his own gym. Although Jagdish had quit competing, he hadn’t left the fitness lifestyle. At his gym, Lad focused his time and energy on coaching people.
Hard Last Year
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Like many other people, the global pandemic brought trouble for Jagdish. He struggled to keep afloat financially after the coronavirus first struck India in 2020. His gym business took a hit while India was under a strict lockdown for two months.
Jagdish’s financial condition was so bad that he couldn’t pay his house rent. Lad’s landlord didn’t permit them to vacate their house without clearing their dues.
Many people in India are still taking the pandemic lightly. Jadish and Lakhan’s deaths should be seen as a warning. Even bodybuilders, who are said to have a higher immunity because of their fit lifestyle, healthy diet, and all the health supplements they take, are not safe from this virus.
Adieu
Jagdish Lad was a star of the upcoming bodybuilding scene in India. He was earning a name for himself in the coaching circles and continued contributing to the industry until his last days. Lad will remain an inspiration for young Indians looking to compete in the industry.
Jagdish is survived by his wife (also suffering from COVID-19) and daughter. We at Generation Iron offer our deepest condolences to Lad’s family, friends, and fans.
We also urge our readers in India to stay safe, get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity, and take all the necessary precautions.
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