Reno (US), October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Ekta Bishnoi has made history by winning three gold medals at the World Masters Classic Powerlifting Championship in the United States.
Bishnoi lifted a total of 362.5 kg, outperforming strong competitors from Japan and Canada to claim the top honours. She became the first Indian female powerlifter to win gold in the Masters-2 category at the championship.
Alongside her demanding responsibilities as an IRS officer, Bishnoi has maintained a rigorous powerlifting training schedule. Her preparations also faced an unexpected challenge shortly before the competition, when Indian team coach Sunil Kumar was denied a US visa.
Undeterred by the setback, Bishnoi continued to receive guidance from Kumar through video calls. With on-ground support from team official Binu Ibrahim, she followed the planned strategy and went on to secure a historic victory for India.
Explaining the approach behind her success, coach Sunil Kumar said the team had adopted a scientific and results-oriented coaching strategy.
“Our strategy was crystal clear,” Kumar said. “By the conclusion of the squat event, we had already built a decisive 20 kg lead over our closest rival. Ekta successfully maintained this crucial lead through the bench press event. Finally, with a successful opening deadlift of 150 kg, Ekta sealed the historic gold medal for India.”
Bishnoi trains under Kumar’s supervision at Netaji Gym in New Delhi.
Reacting to her achievement, her partner, Ajay Tomar, also known as Acharyaji, said the preparation for the world championship had been thorough and focused.
“Prior to the World Championship, our preparation was absolute and thorough. We shared a single-minded goal: to win the gold medal for our motherland, India,” he said.
Bishnoi’s achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s powerlifting on the international stage, combining sporting excellence with her career in public service.
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