Keyaa Banerji Powerlifting: 21-Year-Old Powerlifter Powers India to Historic Silver at IPF World Championships
Indian powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji, 21, made India proud by securing a silver medal in the deadlift at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa. Competing in the Junior Women's 47kg category, Banerji lifted an impressive 140kg and achieved a total of 280kg, finishing fifth overall.
Indian powerlifting sensation Keyaa Kunal Banerji has etched her name in the annals of national sports history, securing a silver medal in the deadlift at the prestigious 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships. The 21-year-old’s stellar performance in Sun City, South Africa, from August 18 to 29, 2026, saw her powerfully lift 140kg, a feat more than three times her body weight. Asian Games 2026 Cricket Venue: What We Know About Controversial Korogi Sports Park.
Keyaa Banerji Wins Silver At IPF World Championships
🥈 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SILVER FOR KEYAA BANERJI! 🇮🇳🔥
Keyaa Banerji has secured a Silver Medal at the IPF World Championship, showcasing incredible strength, determination and composure against the world’s best. 🌍🏆
A proud moment for Indian powerlifting! 🇮🇳❤️#KeyaaBanerji… pic.twitter.com/976q5NZ6Gz
— Sporting Vibe (@sportingvibe_) September 1, 2026
A Gritty Performance on the World Stage
Competing in the highly competitive Junior Women's 47kg category, Banerji delivered a standout performance, culminating in a silver medal for her deadlift. Her individual lifts included a 90kg squat, a 50kg bench press, and the medal-winning 140kg deadlift, accumulating an impressive total of 280kg. This overall performance secured her a commendable fifth-place finish in the junior competition.
The competition saw elite young powerlifters from across the globe vying for top honours. In the deadlift event, France's Ines Herbaux claimed the gold medal with a lift of 165kg, while Ireland's Blathnaid O'Dwyer also lifted 140kg but finished behind Banerji, taking the bronze.
Remarkable Progress and Dedication
Banerji’s silver medal is a testament to her consistent improvement and unwavering dedication to the sport. Records indicate significant progress, especially in her deadlift, which increased from 127.5kg at the 2025 National Championships to her current 140kg on the world stage. Born on February 16, 2005, the Haryana-based powerlifter has been a consistent performer, including winning a silver medal in the women's 47kg category at the 2026 National Classic Bench Press Championship earlier this year. Rohit Sharma Makes TV Debut With ‘Family Full House’ on Sony TV; Promo Released.
Her journey highlights the growing talent pool within Indian powerlifting and the potential for athletes in disciplines that often receive less mainstream attention. Banerji's achievement is a source of immense pride for India, inspiring aspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams with grit and determination.
Keyaa Banerji's incredible strength and her ability to perform under pressure at the highest level truly embody the spirit of Indian sports. Her success at the IPF World Championships is a powerful message of what can be achieved through relentless training and a strong will, paving the way for future triumphs in the sport.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2026 10:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
