The world of weightlifting is in shock following the tragic death of Yashtika Acharya, a promising 17-year-old weightlifter who lost her life in an accident while training at the Power Headquarters gym, located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. The athlete, who had previously won a gold medal at the National Youth Games, suffered a fatal injury when a 270 kg barbell fell on her neck while attempting a squat exercise.

The fatal incident occurred last Tuesday when Yashtika was lifting the weight under the supervision of her coach. Witnesses to the event reported that, during her second attempt to lift the barbell, the young athlete lost her balance, and the load fell on her neck. Despite the immediate efforts of her coach and teammates to remove the weight and administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the athlete did not respond to the rescue attempts and passed away at the scene.

A Promising Future Tragically Cut Short

Acharya had successfully lifted the same weight before, making the accident even more perplexing. However, during this attempt, the young woman stumbled when transferring the weight from the rack to her shoulders, losing control, and the barbell struck her fatally. She was rushed to the hospital, but the doctors could do nothing to save her.

The sports community and Yashtika’s family are deeply saddened by the loss, as the athlete had shown great talent and potential. She had previously excelled in the National Bench Press Championship, where she won the gold medal in the Sub Junior category. Her tragic death has left a void in the weightlifting community and raised concerns about safety measures in gyms.

Here is the moment of the accident:

What Safety Measures Are Necessary in Weightlifting?

The incident has also raised questions about the role of coaches in high-risk situations. Although no formal complaint has been filed by Acharya’s family, some testimonies have suggested that the coach may have pushed the athlete beyond her limits. This kind of incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen safety protocols in weightlifting and in all sports involving heavy lifting.

This tragic event underscores the importance of weightlifting practices being carried out under strict supervision, with proper technique, and using the appropriate equipment. While injuries are common in the fitness world, this tragedy highlights the need for additional precautions to prevent similar accidents from occurring again. Local authorities have conducted the autopsy and handed over the young woman’s body to her family, while the sports community prepares to honor her legacy.