In a breathtaking display of strength and sheer determination that has captivated the nation, Delhi Police constable Sonika Yadav (31) secured a bronze medal at the All-India Police Weightlifting Cluster 2025–26 on October 17. The truly astonishing detail? Constable Yadav performed her formidable lifts while seven months pregnant.
Competing in the 84kg category, Yadav left the audience and fellow athletes speechless with her performance, particularly her awe-inspiring 145kg deadlift.
Initially, the 31-year-old’s condition went unnoticed as she competed with fierce focus and composure. It was only when the news of her advanced pregnancy spread through the venue that the initial disbelief turned into a thundering, standing ovation.
Defying the Odds
Constable Sonika Yadav’s journey to the podium was a masterclass in challenging conventional limitations. Her final tally, which included a 125kg squat and an 80kg bench press, was built on a fierce commitment to her sport that she refused to put on hold.
“I wanted to prove to myself that I could still do it, pregnancy or not,” Sonika told the press. “I didn’t want my baby bump to be a barrier to achieving my goals.”
Her dedication to continuing her training under strict medical supervision has made her a powerful inspiration. The audience widely celebrated her achievement as an example of an “unyielding passion for weightlifting” and a refusal to let motherhood define her limitations.
A senior Delhi Police official echoed the sentiment, stating, “Sonika’s performance is a shining example of the strength and dedication of our police force. The department is incredibly proud of her and looks forward to seeing her continue to excel.”
Constable Sonika Yadav has not only won a medal for the Delhi Police force but has also sent an emphatic message to women everywhere: with courage and consistency, no physical or societal barrier is too heavy to lift.
