Bikaner, Rajasthan: A tragic accident during training claimed the life of 17-year-old Yashtika Acharya, a Junior National Games gold medallist powerlifter, in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district. The young athlete died after a 270kg rod fell on her neck while she was practicing in a gym on Tuesday, police said.
According to Naya Shahar SHO Vikram Tiwari, the accident occurred while Acharya was lifting weights under the supervision of her trainer, who also sustained minor injuries. The impact of the heavy rod caused severe neck injuries, and she was immediately rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.
The police stated that Acharya’s family has not filed any complaint regarding the incident. Following a post-mortem, her body was handed over to her family on Wednesday.
A Rising Star Gone Too Soon
Yashtika Acharya was an emerging star in powerlifting, a sport that tests athletes’ strength in three key lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. Although powerlifting is not part of the Olympics, it has gained a strong following in India.
Her untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the sports fraternity, with many expressing grief over the loss of such a promising young athlete.
Fatal Sports Accidents: A Rare But Real Danger
Though fatal accidents in sports are uncommon, history has witnessed similar tragedies. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2014 when Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes was struck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match, leading to his untimely death. Medical experts have documented only around 100 such cases worldwide.
Acharya’s death has reignited conversations about athlete safety, especially in high-risk sports like powerlifting. The incident has raised concerns about gym safety protocols, equipment standards, and the supervision of young athletes.
A video of the incident has surfaced online, but viewer discretion is strongly advised due to its distressing nature.
Sources By Agencies