Four-time ‘Mr India’ Ashish Sakharkar passes away

Mumbai: Ashish Sakharkar, body-builder, and four-time winner of the coveted ‘Mr India’ title, and ‘Mr Universe’ winner, passed away after late last night, officials said here on Wednesday.

Indian Body Builders Federation official said that Sakharkar, 43, a resident of Parel, was suffering from certain health issues and had been admitted to a hospital in south Mumbai a week ago.

A body-builder in the 80-Kg Category, Sakharkar had bagged many national and international awards and was conferred the Maharashtra government’s Shiv Chhatrapati Award, official added.

Survived by his wife and a son, Sakharkar’s last rites shall be performed this evening, details of which are not immediately available.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde mourned the loss of Sakharkar who brought fame to the country and his passing has caused an irreparable loss to the body-building fraternity.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray grieved over the demise of Sakharkar and offered condolences to his family. (UNI)