BIKANER, Rajasthan (February 19, 2025): A 17-year-old gold medallist in the Junior National Games died in a training accident after a 270-kilogram barbell fell on her neck. Yashtika Acharya was practicing at a gym under the supervision of her trainer when she lost control while lifting the weight.
A video of the accident shows her struggling to maintain balance before the barbell slipped and struck her neck, causing her to collapse.
WARNING! Visuals May Disturb Some Viewers
Vikram Tiwari, station house officer of Naya Shahar police station, said the impact broke her neck. Her trainer suffered minor injuries. She was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Acharya was a resident of Acharya Chowk in Bikaner. Her father, Aishwarya Acharya, is a contractor. Police said the family has not filed any complaint. Her body was released to her family after a post-mortem examination.