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Rachit Panchal belied his six years as he participated in the Junior Mumbai Shree 2026 in the 55-kg weight category and Under-23 age group on Sunday, February 22. Panchal displayed cuts and on-stage confidence, not intimidated by the 30-plus bodybuilders on stage at the competition venue. The event was organised by Jai Bhavani Gym in Malad East and the Greater Bombay Bodybuilding Association.

Panchal’s participation went beyond simply competing. The Senior KG student of St Joseph’s High School, Wadala, was completing his father Umesh Madhusudan Panchal’s aborted dream. Today, Umesh, a Parel resident and silver medal winner in bodybuilding, has seen his pain turn to pride, witnessing his little boy hold his own against bodybuilders, many more than thrice his age.

The senior KG student in his school uniform recites a speech at St Joseph’s High School, Wadala. Pic/The Panchals

Rachit`s father and mother, Sonal, had tears of happiness when they first saw their son compete on stage at a Girgaon bodybuilding competition in April 2025. 

The accident

>> On March 9, 2024, Umesh Panchal was to compete in the Mumbai Shree bodybuilding competition.
>> Two days before that, Umesh had an accident while riding his motorbike from his Andheri office to Vasai to meet with a client.
>> Umesh hurt his left leg (tibia) in the accident.
>> Bedridden for months, he took eight months to full recovery with two surgeries, one in March and the other in September 2024.

Rachit Panchal participates in the Junior Mumbai Shree 2026 in Malad East on Sunday. PIC/RANE ASHISH

Sport on

>> Rachit trains at the gym with his father
>> He also participates in cycling and running
>> He trains under Vishal Parab, who also trained his father

Aiming for the stars: Rachit matches moves with the rest

Eats
Home-made food

Diet dos
Loves:  Salad 
Rachit junks: Junk food

Perfect squat! Rachit Panchal shows off some mean moves

Favourites
Chicken and eggs