India, Sept. 28 -- Two popular contenders in Delhi's viral "Fat Dog Competition" have died as the Instagram tournament enters its semi-final stage, leaving fans mourning the loss of the much-loved dogs.

Gola, also known as Kebab or Rajpal Singh, from SDA Market in Hauz Khas, and Tara, also known as Khan Sahab, from Khan Market, were among the leading contenders in the knockout-style competition organised by the Instagram page 'Fat Dogs of Delhi'. Both dogs had been leading their respective matchups and had attracted thousands of votes and supporters online before their deaths.

The organisers confirmed the deaths in a tribute post on Instagram, saying they received news of Gola's "untimely demise" on Sunday evening, while Tara had died a...