Indian Powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji Speaks Out Against Online Harassment

Facing Online Harassment

Keyaa Kunal Banerji, an Indian powerlifter, has bravely shared her experiences of online harassment and sexualization following her impressive performance at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships. She described the treatment she received as a clear example of sexism.

A Stark Example of Sexism

"It was pure sexism at its finest. I can't express it any other way. The treatment I received is something male athletes would never encounter after a championship win. Most discussions centered around my looks, which was frustrating because I achieved something significant in my sport," Banerji stated.

Remarkable Achievement

The 21-year-old gained recognition after successfully lifting 140kg in the deadlift within the Junior Women's 47kg category at the championships held in Sun City, South Africa. This lift was over three times her body weight of 45.70kg, earning her a silver medal in the individual deadlift event. However, the attention on social media quickly turned negative, with Banerji facing fake accounts and unauthorized AI-generated images of her.

Gratitude Amidst Challenges

Reflecting on her experience, Banerji acknowledged the challenges of sudden fame but expressed gratitude for the chance to share her journey. "I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my passion for powerlifting and my progress. Although it was tough at times, I have moved past it," she remarked.

Impressive Performance Metrics

Banerji's performance solidified her status as one of India's promising young powerlifters. In addition to her 140kg deadlift, she achieved a 90kg squat and a 50kg bench press, totaling 280kg and finishing fifth overall in her category. France's Ines Herbaux secured the gold in deadlift with a lift of 165kg, while Ireland's Blathnaid O'Dwyer also lifted 140kg, placing Banerji second in the individual deadlift standings.

Path to Powerlifting

Banerji's journey into powerlifting began without any intention of competing professionally. Initially, she trained at a gym for personal health before being inspired by a friend who was a world-class powerlifting coach and gold medalist for India. "I started going to the gym for personal fulfillment, but my friend's achievements sparked my curiosity about the sport," she explained. This curiosity evolved into a competitive spirit as her skills improved.

Understanding the Technical Aspects

Banerji emphasized the technical nature of powerlifting, stating that competition involves more than just lifting heavy weights. "There are specific rules to follow, such as waiting for the referee's command before putting down the bar after a lift. It's a highly technical sport with many intricacies," she noted.

Looking Ahead

Despite the negative attention, Banerji remains dedicated to her sport, which has significantly impacted her life. "Powerlifting has been a source of joy for me, even during college when I sometimes had to train late or miss classes. It has always been something I loved," she shared. Recently, she graduated from Ashoka University with a BSc in Psychology and is contemplating pursuing an MBA, but her immediate focus is on advancing her powerlifting career after her landmark international performance.