Yashtika Acharya, a 17-year-old gold medallist powerlifter, tragically died in Bikaner, Rajasthan, after a 270kg weight rod fell on her neck during practice. The incident occurred on Tuesday when her trainer was supervising her lift. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she was pronounced dead. The trainer sustained minor injuries, but no family members have pressed charges. Acharya, who showed great promise in her sport, has left a significant impact on the sports community, sparking mourning after her untimely death. Fatal accidents in sports are rare but not unheard of, recalling past tragedies like that of cricketer Phillip Hughes.
Yashtika Acharya was rushed to the hospital right after the incident.© X/Twitter
A junior national games gold medallist power-lifter passed away in Bikaner district, Rajasthan, as per police reports on Wednesday. The incident occurred when a 270kg rod fell on her neck during practice. The 17-year-old female powerlifter Yashtika Acharya succumbed to her injuries at the gym. Naya Shahar SHO Vikram Tiwari stated that her neck was fractured when the heavy rod dropped on her on Tuesday.
Following the accident, Acharya was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead by the doctors. Tiwari mentioned that the incident took place while the trainer was instructing Yashtika on lifting weights. The trainer sustained minor injuries during the accident.
The SHO noted that the family has not filed any complaint regarding the incident. The body was returned to the family on Wednesday after the post-mortem examination.
Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximum weight on three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. This sport is not included in the Olympics.
Though rare, fatal accidents in sports have occurred in the past. In 2014, Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes lost his life after being struck by a bouncer from Sean Abbott during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Australian team doctor Peter Brukner observed that only 100 such cases had been documented previously.
Yashtika had reached numerous milestones in her brief career. Her untimely death has left the sports community in mourning. A video of the incident is embedded here, but viewer discretion is strongly advised due to its disturbing content.
VIDEO..
270 #Bikaner । #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/2L9UAb1Jeu
— NDTV India (@ndtvindia) February 19, 2025
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