NEW DELHI: For 21-year-old Indian powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji, the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior and Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa, were meant to be the culmination of two years of rigorous, disciplined training. Stepping onto the world stage in the Junior Women’s 47kg category, Banerji delivered a masterclass in strength, pulling a massive 140kg deadlift—more than three times her 45.70kg bodyweight.
The performance earned her a silver medal in the individual deadlift event and cemented her status as one of India’s most promising powerlifting talents. Yet, when the footage of her lift went viral, the conversation quickly veered from the technical brilliance of the sport to a toxic display of objectification. Instead of celebrating an elite athletic feat, Banerji found herself battling a deluge of online abuse, deep-fake AI-generated imagery, and the persistent, reductive sexism that continues to plague female athletes in the digital age.
A Medal Overshadowed by Online Toxicity
The transition from international competitor to viral sensation brought an influx of attention that was largely hostile. Banerji, who recently graduated with a degree in Psychology from Ashoka University, was forced to confront the harsh reality of how female physical achievement is often received on social media platforms.
“I think it was just sexism at its finest,” Banerji told ANI. “The way I was treated—men would never have to face this, like after winning a championship or something like that. A male athlete never has to face something like this.”
The athlete noted that the discourse surrounding her viral clip focused almost exclusively on her physical appearance rather than her lifting technique, discipline, or the technical demands of her sport. This unwanted focus was not merely annoying; it was invasive, involving the proliferation of thousands of unauthorized AI-manipulated images. The experience ultimately led her to create a new Instagram account as she attempted to reclaim control over her digital presence.
Refining the Science of the Lift
Despite the online noise, Banerji remains focused on her progression as a powerlifter. Her performance in South Africa included a 90kg squat and a 50kg bench press, resulting in a 280kg total and a fifth-place finish overall. While the silver medal was a landmark achievement, Banerji is her own toughest critic, revealing that the 140kg deadlift was actually lower than what she had planned for on competition day.
“140kg was on the lower end of the range for what we were planning to hit that day,” she explained. “In training, I have hit around 147.5kg and 150kg several times. 147.5kg is the Asian record, so my ideal day would have been breaking that record on stage.”
Powerlifting, often misunderstood by the public as a raw test of brute force, is in reality a highly technical discipline governed by rigid rules. Competitors must adhere to specific referee commands, maintaining control of the bar throughout the lift. Banerji emphasizes that her success is rooted in years of meticulous planning alongside her coach, noting that competition-day execution is a distinct skill set separate from training room performance. After successfully locking in the 140kg lift, she attempted 142.5kg but was unable to secure it, a setback she views as part of the learning curve.
Beyond the Viral Moment
Banerji’s journey into the sport began not with a desire for global fame, but with a quest for personal fulfillment. Her interest was piqued by a friend and fellow powerlifter who had already reached world-class status. What started as a hobby to manage stress during her college years at Ashoka University quickly evolved into a competitive obsession. She recalls training sessions late at night and balancing rigorous academic schedules with intense barbell work.
Her statistics reflect a steady, upward trajectory. At the 2025 National Championship, she posted a 257.5kg total; by the time she arrived at the World Championships, she had pushed her ceiling to 287.5kg. This rapid improvement has only sharpened her ambition. While she is currently weighing the possibility of pursuing an MBA, her sights remain firmly set on the platform.
“I am very proud of myself and very happy with my accomplishment,” she said, reflecting on the experience. “I’m definitely over [the trolling]. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to talk about my passion for the sport and my journey.”
As she looks toward future competitions, Banerji is determined to ensure that her legacy is defined by her steel and resolve, not by the trolls who tried to derail her. Her goal is clear: to return to the world stage, eclipse her personal bests, and bring home the gold for India. In a sport where every kilogram counts, Banerji has proven that she has the mental fortitude to handle the weight of the world—both on and off the platform.
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