The sports world was struck with tragedy as a young and promising athlete lost her life in a horrific accident. Yashtika Acharya, a 17-year-old gold medallist powerlifter, died in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district after a 270kg weightlifting rod fell on her neck during training.
The incident, which occurred on February 18, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the sporting community, leaving many questioning the safety measures in place for young athletes training at high levels of competition.
The accident took place at a local gym in Bikaner, where Yashtika Acharya was undergoing an intense training session under the supervision of her coach. During one of her lifts, the heavy rod slipped and fell on her neck, causing a fatal injury. Witnesses at the gym, including her trainer, immediately rushed to help her.
Despite their quick response, she was critically injured and was taken to the hospital. However, doctors declared her dead upon arrival. Her untimely passing has left the sports fraternity mourning the loss of a young talent who had already made a mark in the powerlifting arena.
The Tragic Incident and Immediate Aftermath
On the day of the accident, Yashtika Acharya was engaged in her routine training session at the gym. As part of her powerlifting practice, she attempted to lift a 270kg barbell, an immense weight that only seasoned lifters attempt under strict supervision.
However, during the lift, the barbell suddenly slipped from her grip and landed directly on her neck. The impact was catastrophic, instantly breaking her neck and rendering her unconscious.
Her trainer, who was present during the mishap, also suffered minor injuries while attempting to help her. The incident unfolded in mere seconds, and by the time other gym members rushed to assist, Yashtika Acharya was already in critical condition.
खौफनाक VIDEO..
— NDTV India (@ndtvindia) February 19, 2025
बीकानेर में 17 वर्षीय वेटलिफ्टर यष्टिका आचार्य की मौत, ट्रेनिंग के दौरान उठा रही थी 270 किलो वजन#Bikaner । #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/2L9UAb1Jeu
She was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but medical professionals were unable to save her life. The severity of the injury meant that she succumbed to her wounds almost instantly.
According to Naya Shahar SHO Vikram Tiwari, Yashtika’s family has not registered any case regarding the incident. Following a post-mortem examination, her body was handed over to her grieving family on Wednesday. The news of her tragic demise has spread rapidly, drawing condolences from fellow athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts across the country.
Yashtika Acharya’s Achievements and Promising Career
Yashtika Acharya was not just another athlete—she was a rising star in Indian powerlifting. At just 17 years old, she had already clinched a gold medal in the Junior National Games, showcasing her immense talent and dedication to the sport. Her journey in powerlifting was marked by relentless hard work and a passion for pushing the limits of human strength.
Having started her training at a young age, Yashtika Acharya quickly gained recognition for her exceptional lifting capabilities. She participated in multiple national-level competitions and proved her mettle against some of the best young athletes in the country. Her achievements at such an early stage in her career had positioned her as a future contender for international powerlifting events.
Powerlifting is a sport that demands both physical and mental fortitude. It consists of three major lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Athletes must train rigorously to build their strength and endurance to compete at high levels.
Yashtika’s ability to handle massive weights at her age was a testament to her discipline and determination. She had dreams of representing India in major global competitions, and many believed she had the potential to bring laurels to the country.
Her sudden death has left a void in the powerlifting community. Fellow athletes and coaches have expressed their grief, highlighting the tremendous loss to Indian sports. Many are remembering her as a hardworking and talented athlete whose journey was tragically cut short.
The Need for Safety in Powerlifting and High-Intensity Sports
Yashtika’s death raises serious concerns about the safety measures in place for young athletes training in high-intensity sports like powerlifting. While powerlifting is not an Olympic sport, it has a significant following worldwide and demands proper training, safety equipment, and supervision to prevent injuries.
Heavy weightlifting, especially with loads exceeding 200kg, requires meticulous preparation. Trainers and athletes must follow strict safety protocols, including the use of support equipment like lifting belts, knee wraps, and spotter assistance. In Yashtika’s case, it remains unclear whether adequate precautions were taken during her lift.
Fatal accidents in sports, although rare, have occurred in the past. One of the most well-known tragedies in recent sports history was the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes in 2014.
Hughes was struck on the neck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match, leading to a fatal brain hemorrhage. Similarly, Yashtika’s accident serves as a grim reminder of the risks involved in sports that test the human body’s limits.
In light of this incident, experts are calling for better safety measures in powerlifting training facilities. Suggestions include ensuring that young athletes do not attempt excessively heavy lifts without proper supervision, improving the quality of gym equipment, and implementing emergency response protocols in training centers.
Some have also emphasized the importance of mental coaching for young athletes, as pressure to perform can sometimes lead them to take unnecessary risks.
The sports community is mourning the loss of Yashtika Acharya, a talented young athlete who had a bright future ahead of her. While her achievements in powerlifting will always be remembered, her tragic death should serve as a wake-up call for better safety standards in weightlifting and other strength-based sports. Her legacy should inspire reforms that ensure no other athlete faces a similar fate.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏