Written by Indian powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji put together a strong performance at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa, where she finished fifth in the Junior Women’s 47kg category and picked up a silver medal in the deadlift.
The 21-year-old, competing for India, lifted 140kg in the deadlift at a competition bodyweight of 45.70kg. The effort was more than three times her body weight.According to The Logical Indian, Banerji finished the competition with a total of 280kg. Open Powerlifting records state that her other successful lifts included a 90kg squat and a 50kg bench press.
The championships were held from August 18 to 29 under the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF)
140kg deadlift earns Banerji silver
Banerji’s best result came in the individual deadlift event. She successfully completed a 140kg lift to finish second in the discipline.France’s Ines Herbaux won the deadlift gold medal after lifting 165kg. Ireland’s Blathnaid O’Dwyer also managed 140kg, but Banerji finished ahead of her in the deadlift standings and took the silver.
