Keyaa Banerji's 140kg Deadlift Sparks Ambitions in Powerlifting

Keyaa Kunal Banerji's impressive 140kg deadlift at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior and Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa, not only secured her a silver medal in the junior women's 47kg category but also thrust her into the spotlight. Weighing in at 45.70kg, Banerji lifted over three times her body weight, showcasing her remarkable strength and potential in the sport. However, this newfound visibility came with its challenges, as she faced inappropriate comments regarding her appearance and even encountered AI-generated images of herself, prompting her to address these issues publicly.

Having only started powerlifting in June 2024, Banerji's rise has been rapid and somewhat unexpected. Despite finishing fifth overall in South Africa, she struggled with a squat injury that hindered her performance. Her immediate goal is to improve her numbers and recover fully from her injury. Reflecting on her competition, she expressed some disappointment with her lift strategy. "I was a bit disheartened by the small jump between the two attempts initially because 140 was on the lower end of the range for what we had planned that day with an ideal goal of 145 as a second attempt and 150 as a third pull," she noted. This cautious approach was aimed at securing her deadlift silver before attempting heavier lifts.

Banerji's journey in powerlifting began during her second year at Ashoka University, where she graduated with a BSc Honours degree in Psychology in 2026. Under the guidance of her coach, Devrath, a former powerlifter and 2023 WPC Sub-Junior World Champion, she quickly progressed in her training. On her first day at the gym, Devrath had confidently predicted that she would compete at the IPF World Championships within two years, a statement she now looks back on with pride. Within a month of starting, she was lifting 100kg, and by the time she entered the 2025 qualifying cycle, she was competing at various levels, inspired by the athletes she admired in her weight class.

Navigating Training and Academic Demands

Balancing her training with university commitments has been a challenge, but Banerji has prioritized her workouts, ensuring she maintains a focus on sleep, nutrition, and recovery. She trained at her university gym during the week and traveled to Gurgaon on weekends to use calibrated plates similar to those in competition. Her parents played a crucial role in supporting her journey, funding competitions and assisting with her recovery and equipment needs. During the World Championships, her teammate Asma Zabuawala stepped in as her handler, managing her warm-ups and attempt selections, which contributed to her successful performance.

Make it work for you

After her viral lift, Banerji has received numerous messages from young girls inspired to pursue strength sports. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing all athletes who contributed to India's success at the championships. "Many athletes on the Indian team won medals for the country, and this is a collective win for India. I have so much admiration for the achievements of my teammates, and we’re all Indian athletes; our wins are wins for the country, and we all support each other," she stated. Despite her newfound fame, Banerji remains grounded, focusing on her recovery and improvement rather than letting public attention dictate her path.

Looking ahead, she aspires to win gold at the World Championships for India. Powerlifting is just one of her many interests, which also include yoga, calisthenics, art, travel, and martial arts. Banerji recognizes that while her deadlift brought her recognition, her continued work on the squat and bench press will be crucial in determining her future in the sport. "Gaining visibility doesn’t mean the work is finished. I’m still a beginner in the sport with only two years of training, and I’d like to continue to grant myself the grace and time to work on my numbers and push myself to become a better athlete."