Ekta Bishnoi, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), has scripted history by claiming three gold medals at the World Masters Classic Powerlifting Championship in Reno, United States, on 18 October 2026. Lifting a combined total of 362.5 kg, Bishnoi outperformed rivals from Japan and Canada to top the podium — becoming the first Indian female powerlifter to win gold in the Masters-2 category of this championship.

A Historic First for Indian Powerlifting

Bishnoi's triumph marks a landmark moment for Indian women in strength sports. Competing in the Masters-2 category, she surpassed formidable international athletes to clinch the top honour — a feat no Indian female powerlifter had achieved in this category before. The victory adds a significant chapter to India's growing presence in global powerlifting circuits.

How the Strategy Unfolded

The road to gold was not without adversity. In a significant setback just before the tournament, Indian team coach Sunil Kumar was denied a US visa, preventing him from travelling to Reno. Undeterred, Bishnoi adapted swiftly — receiving coaching guidance from Kumar via video calls while relying on on-ground support from team official Binu Ibrahim.

Coach Kumar outlined the precise tactical blueprint that delivered victory. '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.'

Balancing a Government Career and Elite Sport

Bishnoi's achievement is particularly remarkable given that she juggles the demands of a senior government role with an intensive powerlifting training schedule. She trains under coach Sunil Kumar at the Netaji Gym in New Delhi, combining high-stakes professional responsibilities with a rigorous athletic regimen. Her partner Ajay Tomar (Acharyaji) reflected on the preparation: '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.'

What This Victory Signals

Bishnoi's win is the latest in a series of breakthroughs by Indian athletes in niche strength disciplines at global championships. It also underscores the growing cohort of Indian government officials who pursue elite-level sport alongside their professional careers. Notably, the victory was achieved despite a coaching disruption that would have rattled most competitive setups — making the gold all the more significant. With this performance, Bishnoi has raised the benchmark for Indian participation in the Masters category of international powerlifting and is likely to inspire a new generation of women athletes in the sport.