Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Powerlifter Keyaa Banerji Describes Sexist Online Harassment After Championship
Keyaa Kunal Banerji is a young Indian powerlifter.
She competed at an international championship in South Africa.
She lifted 140 kilograms in the deadlift event and won a silver medal there.
She finished fifth overall in her weight category.
After the event, many people online focused on her appearance instead of her achievement.
She said this treatment was sexist because male athletes would not face the same attention.
She also said fake accounts and altered AI images using her likeness appeared online.
Banerji said the experience was difficult but that she is now focused on her sport.
She is also considering studying for an MBA after graduating in psychology.
Keyaa Kunal Banerji said she faced sexism and online harassment after her breakthrough powerlifting performance.
She reported fake accounts, misuse of her photographs and thousands of unauthorised AI-generated manipulated images.
Banerji deadlifted 140kg in the Junior Women’s 47kg category at the 2026 championships in South Africa.
She also recorded a 90kg squat and 50kg bench press, totaling 280kg and placing fifth overall.
Banerji won silver in the individual deadlift event and said she remains focused on progressing in powerlifting.
- Who
- Indian powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji, competing in the Junior Women’s 47kg category.
- What
- Banerji discussed online harassment and sexualisation following her performance at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships.
- When
- After the 2026 championships; the article does not specify when the interview took place.
- Where
- The championships were held in Sun City, South Africa; the report is datelined Bhopal.
- Why
- She received heightened online attention after deadlifting 140kg and winning a silver medal in the individual deadlift event.
- Athlete
- Keyaa Kunal Banerji
- Championship
- 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships
- Deadlift
- 140kg in the Junior Women’s 47kg category
- Overall total
- 280kg, consisting of a 90kg squat, 50kg bench press and 140kg deadlift
- Placings
- Silver in the individual deadlift event and fifth overall in the Junior Women’s 47kg category
- Reported abuse
- Fake accounts, image misuse and thousands of unauthorised AI-generated manipulated images
- Education
- Banerji recently graduated from Ashoka University with a BSc in Psychology