GUWAHATI: A 17-year-old powerlifter Yashtika Acharya lost her life while attempting a heavy lift at a gym in Rajasthan's Bikaner district.
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Acharya, a gold medal-winning athlete, was performing a squat with approximately 270 kg when she lost balance, causing the barbell to fall onto her neck. Despite immediate first aid and being rushed to the hospital, doctors declared her dead on arrival.
According to video reports, Acharya was undergoing her routine training session at a gym near her home. Her trainer, who was present, also sustained injuries during the accident.
Eyewitnesses recall that before the lift, the trainer reportedly counted down—"One... two... three"—before giving the command. However, as soon as Acharya attempted the squat, the weight shifted suddenly, overwhelming her. Unable to regain control, she collapsed, resulting in a fatal injury.
A video of the accident has since gone viral on social media, leaving viewers shocked and mourning the untimely loss of the young athlete. Footage shows her trainer guiding her while gym members looked on. As she exerted force to lift the weight, she suddenly lost balance, and the barbell came crashing down on her shoulders, causing a fatal neck injury.
Yashtika Acharya was a rising star in powerlifting, having recently won a gold medal in the equipped category and a silver medal in the classic category at the 33rd National Bench Press Championship in Goa. Her father, Aishwarya Acharya, is a contractor. The gym where she trained had only been in operation for a few months.
Vikram Tiwari, in charge of Naya Shahar Police Station, confirmed that no FIR has reportedly been filed, as the family has not lodged a complaint. However, a post-mortem examination has been conducted, and an internal investigation is ongoing.
