Powerlifting Tragedy: 17-year-old Yashtika Acharya’s Fatal Accident
Tragic Accident
17-year-old powerlifting champion Yashtika Acharya died on February 18, 2025, after she fell trying to squat 270 kilograms in training. Acharya was training in Rajasthan, Bikaner, India, with a spotter when she attempted to unrack the weight from a squat rack.
The Incident
As she stepped back, the weight was too heavy to stabilize after she and the spotter lifted it. She collapsed with the weight, and the loaded barbell landed on top of her neck. She was too far from the rack for the safety arms to catch the weight.
Rushed to Hospital
Acharya was rushed to a local hospital, where she was soon declared deceased. Local police confirmed that the incident resulted in a broken neck. The unnamed spotter also suffered minor injuries, but no additional details were shared at the time of this article’s publication. It is unclear if he was a spotter or Acharya’s trainer.
Video of the Accident
A video of the accident was posted on the Gym.Legends Instagram page, which can be seen below. Viewer discretion is advised.
Background and Achievements
Acharya was a gold medalist at the Junior National Games in India and reportedly earned a gold medal as an 84KG competitor at the 2024 National Bench Press championships in Goa, India.
Community Reaction
Acharya’s death caught the attention of the powerlifting community far beyond her home country. Some criticize the spotter for not stopping her from attempting the lift or being unable to assist when Acharya was struggling with the weight. Others echo the message to have one or more spotters capable of helping when lifting heavy weights and to stay within the squat rack so the safety arms can serve the lifter if needed.
Conclusion
The tragic death of 17-year-old Yashtika Acharya serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in powerlifting and the importance of proper training, safety measures, and spotter assistance. As the powerlifting community mourns the loss of this young champion, it is crucial to reflect on the lessons learned from this incident and prioritize the well-being of all lifters.
FAQs
- Who was Yashtika Acharya?
- A 17-year-old powerlifting champion from India.
- What happened during the accident?
- Acharya fell trying to squat 270 kilograms in training, and the loaded barbell landed on her neck, causing a broken neck.
- What were Acharya’s achievements in powerlifting?
- She was a gold medalist at the Junior National Games in India and earned a gold medal as an 84KG competitor at the 2024 National Bench Press championships in Goa, India.
- Has Acharya’s family filed a case?
- No, at the time of this article’s publication, the family had not filed any cases.
