India’s Madhura Kar produced a stunning performance in South Africa, winning four gold medals at the IPF World Sub-Junior and Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships.

The Class 12 student dominated the 52kg category, lifting an impressive 292.5kg despite weighing just 49.35kg. Her remarkable performance underlined her growing reputation as one of India’s promising young powerlifters.

Kar opened her campaign with a 107.5kg squat, earning her first gold medal. She then lifted 60kg in the bench press to claim her second gold before completing her performance with a 125kg deadlift.

Her overall display in South Africa added another major achievement to an already impressive young career.

Consistent performer on national stage

The 17-year-old has established herself as a consistent performer in domestic competitions. She won the National Powerlifting Championship in Rajasthan in 2024 before successfully defending her title in Maharashtra in 2025.

Kar also secured a silver medal at the Asian Powerlifting Championship in China, further demonstrating her ability to compete against some of the best young lifters internationally. Earlier this year, she added another title to her growing list of achievements by winning the National bench press championship in Faridabad.

With several major performances already under her belt at just 17, Kar will now look to build on her success and continue producing medal-winning performances on the international stage.

Keyaa Banerjee adds Silver to India’s medal haul

India also celebrated another podium finish at the same championship, with Keyaa Banerjee winning silver in the junior 47kg category.

The 21-year-old lifted a combined 140kg to finish second in the competition. Her performance included a 90kg squat and a 50kg bench press, with the total amounting to three times her body weight.

France’s Ines Herbaux claimed the gold medal after lifting 165kg, while Ireland’s Blathnaid O’Dwyer also recorded a total of 140kg but finished behind Banerjee to take bronze. Banerjee’s latest performance also highlighted her progress over the past year. She had lifted a total of 127.5kg in 2025, making her improvement to 140kg particularly notable. With Kar securing four gold medals and Banerjee taking silver, India’s young powerlifters have delivered an impressive showing in South Africa.

Their performances will raise expectations ahead of future competitions, with fans hoping the two lifters can maintain their momentum and continue adding to India’s medal tally on the international stage.