17-year-old gold-medallist weightlifter dies during training in gym

Dubai: In a tragic incident, a gold medallist powerlifter lost her life while practicing in a gym in Bikaner, Rajasthan, on Wednesday.

Yashtika Acharya, just 17 years old, was on her regular practice with 270kg weight when the squat rod slipped from her hand and fell on her neck. She immediately fainted and the gym trainer and other members in the gym rushed to help her and also provided with CPR.

When it didn't help much they rushed her to the hospital but tragically she died on her way to the hospital.

Naya Shahar police station officer Vikram Tiwari said that the CCTV footage of the gym was checked, which showed the accident. The family has also not filed any case regarding the incident and does not want to get the post-mortem done, Tiwari said. The body is being handed over to the family for last rites, he added.

Yashtika’s father, Aishwarya Acharya (50), is a contractor, and she had three sisters, one of whom is also a powerlifter.

The tragic death of the national level athlete has caused a wave of shock and grief in her hometown and left the family in despair. Yashtika had recently won gold and silver medals in two categories in the 33rd National Bench Press Championship, which was held in Goa.