Sad news has shaken up the regional bodybuilding circuit in India. On June 16, 2026, rising star Sushil Kumar passed away at 26 following a gym workout.
The Hans India first reported on the tragedy. Sushil Kumar was a resident of J.T. Jambanna Nagar and built an impressive following in fitness and bodybuilding. Over the years, he won a handful of state and national-level contests and had ambitions to compete internationally.
Around 8:30 p.m., Kumar returned home after a training session at his local gym. He began complaining to family members about dizziness and not feeling well. After a few minutes passed, he collapsed suddenly, leaving his loved ones in shock.
They rushed Kumar to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, but it was too late. As of this writing, the cause of death is uncertain, but doctors suspect cardiac arrest. They added that a sudden drop in blood pressure might have contributed to the fatal outcome.
Indian Bodybuilder Sushil Kumar Dies at 26 After Gym Session
Kumar was known for helping younger bodybuilders with training, nutrition tips, and motivational wisdom. Commenters on Instagram reacted to the loss, with many pointing out that steroids could have been the cause:
“😢😢 peace to the soul 👏”
“Guys , first of all he is a national level young bodybuilding athlete and he knows the consequences of the sport , something unfortunate happened it’s true but it’s not a good way to put down these kinds of comments , may his soul rest in peace .”
“Gym has become graveyard for young ,i think use of newer body building drugs ,hormonal treatments ,unscientific ,exercises and instant muscle mass ,6 packs craving taking toll”
“Anabolic steroids effect . It can put pressure on Heart .”
Think most of yall forgot. But I can bet this is cuz of the c©vid vaccin.
“It’s always the heavy use of steroids.. now a days people just want quick results in half efforts so ends up like this… Good knws when these people will realise to do real efforts in gym with real food gymming is meant to live a healthier life n not showing off the fake physique”
Sushil is one of many athletes to pass away too soon. Just recently, Brazilian bodybuilder Gabriel Ganley suddenly died at 22 in São Paulo, Brazil, with his death certificate confirming it was caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (abnormally thickened, enlarged heart).
These commenters aren’t the first individuals to discuss the risks associated with bodybuilding. According to former seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger, bodybuilding is the most dangerous sport in the world and sometimes kills people.
Younger athletes continue to pass away, leaving the community on edge about what lies ahead. Fitness Volt extends our deepest condolences to Kumar’s friends and family.
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