NEW DELHI: Delhi Police constable Sonika Yadav, who's seven months pregnant, scripted an inspiring chapter in Indian sport by successful a bronze medal on the All India Police Weightlifting Cluster 2025-26 in Andhra Pradesh. Competing towards prime athletes, she lifted a mixed whole of 145 kilograms, with lifts of 125 kg in squats, 80 kg in bench press, and 145 kg in deadlift.When Sonika found her being pregnant in Might, many anticipated her to pause her coaching. As an alternative, she selected to proceed her weightlifting routine underneath cautious monitoring, decided to keep up each her health and her ardour for the game.Her participation within the championship initially went unnoticed—Sonika wore loose-fitting garments, concealing her being pregnant from fellow rivals. Even when her husband stepped in to help her after the bench press, nobody suspected something uncommon. The reality got here to mild solely after her remaining deadlift try, triggering a wave of astonished applause from the viewers. Feminine officers from totally different police models gathered round her, showering her with congratulations and admiration.In preparation for the occasion, Sonika turned to on-line analysis and drew inspiration from Lucy Martins, a global lifter recognized for competing whereas pregnant. She reached out to Lucy by way of Instagram, looking for recommendation and motivation.A 2014-batch officer, Sonika at the moment serves within the Group Policing Cell. Beforehand, as a beat officer within the Majnu Ka Tila space, she performed a key position in anti-drug consciousness campaigns.Watch the video hereHer dedication and achievements have been acknowledged earlier than—she was felicitated by the Delhi Police Commissioner in 2022, and Union Minister Smriti Irani praised her on Ladies's Day for her dedication and braveness.On the Andhra Pradesh occasion, spectators initially assumed Sonika had switched to a special weight class. However when her 145 kg deadlift earned her a podium end, the revelation of her being pregnant left the group surprised.Sonika credit her success to “braveness and consistency,” saying her journey proves that willpower can overcome any barrier—even throughout being pregnant.
