17-Year-Old Champion Powerlifter Yashtika Acharya Dies in Training Accident: Report

A routine training session took a devastating turn for a rising powerlifting star, shocking the sports community.

Seventeen-year-old powerlifting champion Yashtika Acharya tragically lost her life during a training session in Rajasthan's Bikaner district, igniting online buzz.

The gold medalist in the Junior National Games suffered fatal injuries when a 270-kg barbell fell on her neck, police confirmed on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

According to Vikram Tiwari, Naya Shahar Station House Officer (SHO), the accident occurred while Acharya was practicing in the gym under the supervision of her trainer.

During the lift, the heavy barbell slipped and landed on her neck, causing a fatal injury. Despite immediate medical attention, she was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

The trainer, who was assisting her, also sustained minor injuries. However, no formal complaint has been registered by the family regarding the incident. After the post-mortem examination, Acharya's body was handed over to her family on Wednesday.

The news of Acharya's passing has sparked widespread reactions, with many raising concerns about gym safety and proper training precautions. Social media users expressed grief and frustration over the circumstances of her death.

On Facebook, one user wrote, "This is negligence of the trainer no backup [sic]." Another commented, "270 kg!!! Need at least 4 spotters in ready position [sic]."

A third person shared, "Very unfortunate and totally avoidable tragedy... trainer needs to be booked for negligence."

Others reacted emotionally, with one stating, "Absolutely horrific.. Heartbreaking!" while another asked, "Where was the spotter? I feel awful for the young lady."

Many also acknowledged Acharya's strength, with one user writing, "That's an insane amount of weight!!! she [sic] was so strong."

Similar sentiments were echoed on Instagram. One user wrote, "Too young," while another emphasized safety concerns, saying, "U need two spotters when doing that kind of weight [sic]." Another commented, "Rip young lady."

Medical experts have weighed in on the potential reasons behind Acharya's tragic death. Speaking to Times Now, Dr. Anil Arora explained that the neck contains critical nerves and blood vessels that connect the brain to the rest of the body.

He noted that a severe impact on this region can lead to instant death due to nerve compression, affecting blood flow to vital organs. He further stated, "There could be two reasons. I do not know the details of the case. If there has been a direct injury on the neck... an acute injury to the spine can result in immediate death."

Acharya was one of India's most promising young powerlifters. She held an impressive record in the sport, with personal best lifts of 352.7 kg in squat, 165.3 kg in bench press, and 231.5 kg in deadlift, totaling 749.5 kg in competition.

Her dedication to the sport earned her widespread recognition, and she competed in the National Sub Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championship, securing third place in June 2024.

Additionally, she dominated the National Equipped Bench Press Championship 2024, where she clinched first place in the Sub Junior 84+ kg category. Her achievements placed her among the top young powerlifters in the country.

Powerlifting is a competitive strength sport that requires athletes to perform three key lifts: the back squat, bench press, and deadlift.

In the back squat, a barbell is placed on the lifter's shoulders, and they must lower their hips below their knees before pushing back up to a standing position.

The bench press involves lying on a bench while lowering a barbell to the chest and pressing it back up. The deadlift requires lifting a barbell from the ground to a standing position before lowering it back down in a controlled manner.

Competitive powerlifters train intensely to lift the maximum possible weight in each of these movements, making proper technique and safety precautions essential.

According to fitness experts, powerlifting can be dangerous if not done correctly. Lifting extreme weights without proper support can result in serious injuries, including muscle tears, joint damage, spinal cord injuries, and, in rare cases, fatal accidents.

To minimize risks, experts emphasize the importance of using trained spotters, especially for heavy squats and bench presses, as they play a crucial role in stepping in if the lifter struggles.

Safety clips and spotting arms help prevent weight plates from falling off and offer an emergency escape in case of lift failure.

Lifting alone is strongly discouraged, as having a coach or experienced lifters nearby ensures immediate assistance in an emergency.

Athletes are also advised to listen to their bodies, stopping if they feel pain to prevent long-term injuries. Proper warm-ups and scheduled rest days allow the body to recover and help avoid muscle strain and overexertion.

Acharya's achievements in powerlifting had earned her national recognition, making her sudden passing even more devastating. The incident has raised discussions about the importance of safety protocols in high-risk sports, particularly weightlifting.