Keyaa Banerji Shines at 2026 IPF Championships with Viral Deadlift
Indian powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji gained viral fame after winning a silver medal in the deadlift at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships. Competing in the Junior Women’s 47kg category, she lifted an impressive 140kg, capturing the attention of fans worldwide and showcasing her strength despite her petite frame.
Keyaa Kunal Banerji, a 21-year-old Indian powerlifter, has taken the internet by storm following her impressive performance at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships held in South Africa. Competing in the Junior Women’s 47kg category, Banerji finished fifth overall, but it was her remarkable deadlift that truly stood out, earning her a silver medal after lifting an impressive 140kg while weighing just 45.70kg.
Banerji's achievement has sparked widespread admiration online, with many praising her strength and comparing her appearance to that of an anime character. "She looks like the main character from an anime," one commenter noted, reflecting the excitement surrounding her performance. At the championships, which took place from August 18 to 29 under the auspices of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), Banerji also recorded a 90kg squat and a 50kg bench press, culminating in a total lift of 280kg.
Despite finishing fifth overall in her category, Banerji's deadlift secured her a silver medal, placing her ahead of Ireland’s Blathnaid O’Dwyer, who also lifted 140kg but ranked lower in the standings. The gold medal in the deadlift went to France’s Ines Herbaux, who lifted 165kg. Banerji's performance is particularly noteworthy given her significant improvement over the past year; at the 2025 National Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championship, she lifted a total of 257.5kg.
Her recent results reflect a clear upward trajectory in her performance metrics. At the 2026 National Championship, she recorded a 95kg squat, a 52.5kg bench press, and her 140kg deadlift, bringing her total to 287.5kg. Banerji also claimed silver in the women’s 47kg category at the 2026 National Classic Bench Press Championship with a lift of 47.5kg.
Social Media Celebrates Banerji's Success
As her video clips went viral, social media users celebrated her strength and achievement, with comments ranging from praise for her lifting capabilities to remarks on her appearance. "What she did is something 60% of Indian men wouldn’t be able to do. Bravo," one user commented, while another emphasized the importance of recognizing her accomplishments beyond superficial discussions.
Banerji's success has not only made her a role model for aspiring athletes but also highlighted the growing recognition of women's powerlifting in India. Her performance at the world stage has inspired many, showcasing that with dedication and hard work, significant achievements are possible regardless of gender or size.
Community Response to Banerji's Achievement
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users expressing pride in Banerji’s accomplishments. Comments have ranged from admiration of her strength to discussions about the cultural implications of her success. Some users criticized the tendency to bring caste and regional politics into the conversation, asserting that her achievements should be celebrated without division. As one user succinctly put it, "She lifted 140kg and made India look good on a world stage. That’s the only identity that matters here."
Banerji was not the only Indian athlete to excel at the championships; Joshua Ngoka also made headlines by winning gold in the men’s 120kg category, completing all nine of his attempts and setting an IPF Junior World record with a total lift of 980.5kg. Together, these athletes are paving the way for future generations in the sport, proving that India is becoming a formidable force in powerlifting on the global stage.
