Keyaa Banerji Celebrates Silver Medal at World Junior Powerlifting Championship

Keyaa Banerji's Remarkable Achievement

Indian powerlifter Keyaa Banerji has hailed her silver medal at the World Junior Championship as an "incredible" milestone, expressing pride in her performance while aspiring to secure a gold medal for her nation.

Banerji showcased her exceptional skills at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior and Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships held in Sun City, South Africa, competing in the Junior Women's 47kg category. A highlight of her campaign was her impressive 140kg deadlift, which surpassed three times her body weight. Weighing in at just 45.70kg, this lift became a standout moment of the championship and garnered significant attention on social media.

Consistent Improvement in Performance

Banerji has demonstrated steady progress in her lifting capabilities. During the 2025 National Championship, she achieved lifts of 82.5kg in the squat, 47.5kg in the bench press, and 127.5kg in the deadlift, totaling 257.5kg. She further improved these numbers at the subsequent championship, lifting 95kg in the squat, 52.5kg in the bench press, and 140kg in the deadlift, culminating in an overall total of 287.5kg.

A Surprising Silver Medal

In an interview, the 21-year-old powerlifter expressed her astonishment at the attention her achievement received, while remaining focused on celebrating her success after years of dedication. "Initially, it felt great. Once it gained traction on social media, I was a bit overwhelmed. While there was some negative feedback, I prefer not to dwell on that. I am proud of my accomplishment and have worked hard for two years," Keyaa stated.

She noted that participating in the World Championship was a significant milestone, and winning the silver medal was an unexpected delight. "I didn't anticipate this silver medal. I was just thrilled to compete at the World Championship, as powerlifting is a long-term commitment. I aim to eventually win a World Championship and bring home a gold medal for my country," she added.

Reflections on the Competition

Keyaa initially viewed the World Championship as an opportunity for experience, but her performance led to a memorable outcome. "I thought of this event as a chance to gain experience. The fact that I performed so well and won a medal was absolutely incredible," she remarked.

The Key 140kg Deadlift

Discussing her pivotal 140kg deadlift that secured her podium finish, Keyaa explained the difference between competition and training lifts. "The numbers on competition day can differ from training. Competing as an athlete is distinct from training. In powerlifting, we aim for maximum lifts during competitions," she explained.

Although her result led to a silver medal, she noted that the 140kg lift was on the lower end of what she and her coach had planned for that day. "In training, I have successfully lifted around 147.5kg and 150kg multiple times. My goal was to break the Asian record, which is 147.5kg. I felt a bit disappointed not achieving that," she shared.

After completing the 140kg lift, she attempted a larger jump but was unsuccessful. "The 140kg lift was my second deadlift, not my third. It felt slower than in training. I tried a smaller jump of 142.5kg afterward but failed. It wasn't the ideal day, but I still achieved a great result," she concluded.

An Unforgettable Experience

Reflecting on her podium finish, Keyaa expressed the joy of sharing the stage with athletes she admires. "I can't put it into words; I am overwhelmed. Just being there was a joy. Competing at the World Championship, meeting my competitors, and seeing the girls I looked up to was an unreal experience," she concluded.