Indian powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji delivered a notable performance at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa, finishing fifth in the Junior Women’s 47 kg category and winning a silver medal in the deadlift. Competing for India, the 21-year-old lifted 140 kg in the deadlift at a bodyweight of 45.70 kg.
She recorded a 90 kg squat and a 50 kg bench press, finishing with a 280 kg total. The championships were held from August 18 to 29, 2026, under the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).
A Strong Deadlift
Banerji’s biggest highlight came in the deadlift, where she successfully lifted 140 kg to claim second place in the individual lift. France’s Ines Herbaux took gold in the deadlift with 165 kg, while Ireland’s Blathnaid O’Dwyer also lifted 140 kg but finished third in the discipline. Banerji’s 140 kg effort was more than three times her competition bodyweight of 45.70 kg, underlining the strength behind the performance.
In the overall 47 kg junior competition, however, Banerji finished fifth rather than second. Her 280 kg total comprised a 90 kg squat, 50 kg bench press and 140 kg deadlift. She earned six competition points and recorded 79.849 IPF GL points.
Progress Since 2025
The result also reflects Banerji’s progression in the sport. Powerlifting India records show that she was born on February 16, 2005, and competes for Haryana. At the 2025 National Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championship, she competed in the women’s 47 kg category at 44.60 kg bodyweight. She recorded an 82.5 kg squat, 47.5 kg bench press and 127.5 kg deadlift for a 257.5 kg total.
At the 2026 national championship, her recorded lifts rose to 95 kg in the squat, 52.5 kg in the bench press and 140 kg in the deadlift, taking her total to 287.5 kg. She also won silver in the women’s 47 kg category at the 2026 National Classic Bench Press Championship with a 47.5 kg lift.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Banerji’s achievement deserves attention not because of an inaccurate overall-medal claim, but because the official numbers tell a compelling story of improvement. Her deadlift rose from 127.5 kg at the 2025 national championship to 140 kg at the 2026 world championships, while she competed against some of the strongest young lifters internationally.
Her journey also highlights the importance of giving greater visibility to athletes in sports that receive less mainstream attention. As India continues to develop talent across disciplines, recognising performances such as Banerji’s can help create a wider culture of support for young athletes, particularly women pursuing strength sports.
What more can India do to help emerging athletes in lesser-known sports receive the recognition and support they deserve?
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