A tragic gym accident claimed the life of a 17-year-old female powerlifter from Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, India, after a 270kg barbell fell on her neck during practice.
The gold medalist, identified as Yashtika, was lifting weights under the supervision of her trainer at Power Headquarters gym on Tuesday, Feb. 18, according to Naya Shahar SHO Vikram Tiwari. During the lift, she lost balance, and the barbell crashed down on her neck, breaking it.
Her trainer, who also sustained minor injuries, attempted CPR alongside fellow gym members who rushed to remove the weight. However, Yashtika showed no signs of recovery.
A video of the incident shows Yashtika successfully lifting the weight on her first attempt. However, during her second attempt, she lost control, fell backward, and accidentally pushed her coach. The barbell shifted onto her neck, leading to her collapse moments later.
The video has since gone viral on social media, prompting an outpouring of grief from those mourning the young athlete’s death.
Yashtika was a gold medalist in the National Bench Press Championship held in Goa in the Sub Junior 84kg and above category.
