Indian bodybuilder Sagar Mali has died at the age of 38 following a prolonged battle with kidney-related health problems.
Mali, a prominent figure in the Mumbai bodybuilding community who became affectionately known as “Junior Ronnie Coleman,” reportedly died on Saturday after his health had deteriorated in recent years. Reports from India indicate that Mali suffered kidney failure and had been undergoing regular dialysis treatments.
His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from members of the Indian fitness and bodybuilding community, where Mali had established himself as an accomplished competitor over a career that included success at both the regional and international levels.
Sagar Mali Rose Through The Indian Bodybuilding Ranks
Mali’s bodybuilding journey eventually took him from local competitions to some of the biggest stages available to Indian athletes.
He captured the Mumbai Shree bodybuilding title in 2013, one of the notable achievements of his career. The following year, Mali competed internationally at the 2014 Mr. World competition in Mumbai, where he reportedly finished fourth in the 85-kilogram category.
Mali also competed at events including Maharashtra Shree and Bharat Shree during his career.
His muscular build eventually earned him the nickname “Junior Ronnie Coleman,” a reference to eight-time Mr. Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman. The nickname stuck with Mali throughout his time in the bodybuilding community.
His path into bodybuilding also had humble beginnings. According to reports from India, Mali worked delivering newspapers when he was younger and became fascinated by the bodybuilders he saw featured in their pages. After pursuing the sport himself, Mali eventually became a bodybuilding champion whose own accomplishments would receive media coverage.
Mali Reportedly Battled Kidney Problems For Years
In the years before his death, Mali reportedly suffered significant kidney problems.
Indian media reports state that he had been dealing with kidney disease for approximately two years and eventually suffered kidney failure. His condition required regular dialysis, and his health reportedly continued to decline.
Mali’s coach, Manish Advilkar, spoke publicly following his death and revealed that the bodybuilder had also faced financial difficulties while dealing with his health problems.
No credible reporting has established a specific cause for Mali’s kidney disease beyond the health issues described by those close to him, and there is no confirmed connection between his condition and his bodybuilding career.
Mali’s death at just 38 years old has resonated throughout India’s bodybuilding community. From delivering newspapers and dreaming about the physiques pictured in them to becoming a champion bodybuilder himself, Mali built a reputation that extended well beyond his hometown.
Generation Iron sends its condolences to Sagar Mali’s family, friends, and those in the bodybuilding community who knew him.
Image embed via Instagram @mali_sagar_official23
