Delhi Police constable Sonika Yadav stunned spectators at the India Police Weightlifting Cluster 2025–26 held in Andhra Pradesh on October 17.
Many assumed she had moved from her usual 65 kg category to the 84 kg category due to weight gain. But the truth was far more powerful, Sonika was seven months pregnant when she picked up a 145 kg barbell in competition.
Back in May, while preparing for a gym session, Sonika discovered her pregnancy. Her husband initially believed this would pause her weightlifting journey. But Sonika had other plans.
In an interview with The Indian Express, she explained that she didn’t want pregnancy to be a setback. Instead, she aimed to set an example for women by continuing her training. “I wanted to normalise being both a lifter and pregnant,” she said.
Sonika continued training throughout her pregnancy under her gynaecologist’s supervision, ensuring she remained healthy and attentive to any warning signs.
In the championship, she started with a 125 kg squat, followed by an 80 kg bench press, and then moved on to the deadlift. Initially planning to lift 135 kg, she decided to challenge herself with 145 kg, a move that earned her a spot on the podium.
While preparing, she reached out to Lucie for advice and followed her tips throughout training.
Initially, Sonika’s loose clothes concealed her pregnancy. But when she couldn’t wear the lifter’s belt during a session, everyone realised her condition. “I felt relieved once everyone knew, and they clicked pictures with me,” Sonika recalled.
A 2014-batch officer, Sonika currently serves in the community policing cell. Earlier, she worked as a beat officer in Majnu Ka Tila, where her work helped curb the local drug problem.
Her outstanding service earned her recognition from the Delhi Police Commissioner in 2022, and she was felicitated by former Union Minister Smriti Irani on Women’s Day for her contribution to policing and community safety.
A mother of one, Sonika had her first child in 2017. Her husband, Ankur Bana, works in the private sector.
Her passion for fitness began early. She first played kabaddi and represented the Delhi Police team. What began as casual gym visits to lose weight evolved into a dedication to professional powerlifting.
MedBound Times connected with Dr. Arvind Garg, MD, FIAP, AASC. Dr. Garg is working as HOD Pediatrics, Àpollo Hospital, Noida.
Dr. Garg gave insightful information about whether weight lifting during Pregnancy is safe or not.
“The chances of abortions and premature labor are theoretically higher in women who hold their breath and contract their abdominal muscles while weightlifting. At the same time, nature has put in place strong and effective mechanisms to hold all organs together.” said Dr. Garg.
While physical exertion during pregnancy often raises concerns, it’s essential to understand the underlying factors that contribute to complications. Dr. Garg explained:
“Many women engaged in manual labor may not even realize they are pregnant and continue working. In such cases, inadequate antenatal care could be the real reason behind the increased incidence of abortions and preterm labor.”
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, strength training is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before continuing or starting any lifting routine. 1
References:
1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 804: Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. Obstetrics & Gynecology 135, no. 4 (April 2020): e178-e188. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/04/physical-activity-and-exercise-during-pregnancy-and-the-postpartum-period
2. Duchette, Cathryn, Madhawa Perera, Scott Arnett, Erin White, Elizabeth Belcher, and Rachel Tinius. “Benefits of Resistance Training During Pregnancy for Maternal and Fetal Health: A Brief Overview.” International Journal of Women’s Health 16 (2024): 1137–1147. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38912201/
(Rh/ARC/MSM)
