Indian Powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji Speaks Out Against Online Harassment
Keyaa Kunal Banerji Addresses Online Harassment
In a recent statement, Indian powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji discussed the online harassment and sexualization she encountered 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.
Banerji expressed, "This was pure sexism. I can't describe it any other way. The treatment I received is something male athletes would never experience after a championship victory. The focus was predominantly on my looks, which was disheartening, especially after achieving something significant in my sport."
The 21-year-old athlete 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 remarkable lift was over three times her body weight of 45.70kg, earning her a silver medal in the individual deadlift event.
However, the attention she garnered on social media quickly turned negative, as Banerji faced fake accounts, unauthorized use of her images, and numerous AI-generated manipulated images featuring her likeness.
Reflecting on her experience, Banerji acknowledged the challenges of sudden fame but also expressed gratitude for the chance to share her sporting journey. "I appreciate the opportunity to speak with news channels, as it allows me to discuss my passion for powerlifting and my progress. I’ve moved past the negativity, but it was tough at times," she stated.
On the competition front, Banerji's performance solidified her status as one of India's rising powerlifting stars. 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 the deadlift with a lift of 165kg, while Ireland's Blathnaid O'Dwyer also lifted 140kg, placing Banerji second in the individual deadlift rankings.
Banerji's journey into powerlifting began without any intention of competing professionally. Initially, she trained at a gym for personal health and fulfillment until a friend, a world-class powerlifting coach and gold medalist for India, inspired her to explore the sport.
"I started going to the gym for personal fulfillment and health. A friend who was a powerlifting coach and competed at a world level inspired me to learn more about the sport," she shared.
Her initial curiosity evolved into competitive ambition as her performance improved across various lifts.
Banerji emphasized the technical aspects of powerlifting, noting 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 the bar down after a lift. It's a highly technical sport with many intricacies," she explained.
Despite facing unwanted attention, Banerji remains dedicated to the sport that has significantly impacted her life. "Powerlifting has been a crucial part of my life. During college, I looked forward to training, even if it meant training late at night or skipping classes. It has always been something I enjoyed," she remarked.
Recently, Banerji graduated from Ashoka University with a BSc in Psychology and is contemplating pursuing an MBA. However, her immediate focus is on advancing her powerlifting career following her landmark international performance.