A promising young powerlifter, Yashtika Acharya, has tragically passed away after a devastating gym accident that left her with fatal injuries. The 17-year-old, who was a gold medalist in India’s Junior National Games, was performing a weightlifting routine at a gym in Bikaner, Rajasthan, when a 595-pound barbell fell on her neck, crushing it.
Acharya’s death has stunned the local community, casting a somber shadow over the sport of powerlifting in India. The accident occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 18, 2025, while Acharya was engaged in training at the Power Headquarters gym, a popular training facility known for its strong weightlifting community. The unfortunate turn of events occurred as the teenager, under the supervision of her coach, attempted to lift the heavy barbell.
According to local authorities, Yashtika Acharya was working with her coach when the accident happened. “During her lift, she lost her balance, and the heavy barbell came crashing down on her neck,” said Vikram Tiwari, Station House Officer of Naya Shahar Police Station in Bikaner. Fellow gym-goers rushed to her aid, quickly removing the barbell from her neck while her coach desperately administered CPR, hoping to revive her. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, Acharya showed no signs of recovery.
She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel pronounced her dead soon after arrival, confirming the tragic loss. “We immediately rushed her to the hospital, but it was too late,” an unnamed source from the hospital stated.
The devastating accident not only claimed the life of the young athlete but also left her trainer with minor injuries during the frantic rescue attempt. Reports suggest that the trainer, though uninjured in a serious way, was shaken by the harrowing events.
Yashtika Acharya was renowned in the powerlifting community, having won multiple national titles, including a gold medal at the National Bench Press Championship in Goa. In her category, Sub Junior 84kg and above, she demonstrated impressive strength, earning accolades for her dedication and remarkable performance. Just 17 years old, her tragic passing has left a hole in the hearts of fans, athletes, and coaches who admired her potential to excel in the sport.
Powerlifting is a sport that requires immense strength and precision, where athletes attempt to lift the maximum possible weight in three distinct categories: squat, bench press, and deadlift. Athletes train through a periodized approach that gradually builds strength over time, enabling them to lift heavier weights. However, as Acharya’s tragic incident illustrates, the risks associated with lifting massive weights in competitive environments cannot be underestimated.
Experts in the field of weightlifting are voicing concerns over the safety protocols in gyms, particularly those involving heavy weights. “Powerlifting, especially at high levels, can be dangerous if proper precautions are not in place,” said Ramesh Soni, a well-respected coach in the Indian weightlifting community. “While accidents are rare, they can happen if there are lapses in technique, supervision, or equipment.”
In Acharya’s case, her trainer was reportedly present and overseeing her training when the accident occurred. However, according to local authorities, it appears that despite the trainer’s attempts to intervene, the sheer weight of the barbell made it impossible to prevent the accident. “There was no sign that something like this could happen,” said Tiwari. “The coach was experienced, and Yashtika was an exceptional athlete.”
The Bikaner District Police have confirmed that they are investigating the incident. However, Acharya’s family has not filed any formal complaints, and it appears that the accident is being treated as a tragic and unforeseen event. Her body was handed over to the family on Wednesday, following a post-mortem examination, and preparations for her final rites have begun.
The loss of such a young, promising athlete has not only affected the powerlifting community but also the broader Indian sports fraternity. Tributes have poured in from across the nation, with many athletes and coaches mourning the loss of a talent that could have risen to international fame.
In the wake of this tragedy, there is growing pressure on the fitness industry to reevaluate safety standards in gyms, especially in terms of supervision during heavy lifts. “This incident is a wake-up call for all fitness centers,” said Shalini Mehta, a sports safety consultant. “While the focus is often on pushing athletes to lift heavier, we need to make sure that proper safety measures and equipment are in place, and that trainers are constantly aware of their athletes’ limits.”
As Acharya’s family grapples with the immense loss, her trainer and those who witnessed the accident continue to struggle with the emotional aftermath. “It’s heartbreaking,” said a close friend of the family. “Yashtika had so much promise, and this was such a freak accident. Everyone in the gym loved her, and no one will ever forget her spirit.”
As her loved ones come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy, the sporting world has also lost a rising star. Yashtika Acharya’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the perils of competitive sports and the importance of safety and vigilance in training.
Her legacy, however, will likely endure in the hearts and minds of all those who admired her determination, strength, and courage—both inside and outside the gym.
