New Delhi: A female constable finishing on the podium in a national-level weightlifting championship may not raise eyebrows.
But when the bronze-medal winner happens to be heavily pregnant, there are bound to be cries of disbelief.
In an act which many might consider to be medical science-defying, Delhi Police constable Sonika Yadav, who is seven months pregnant, proved that nothing is impossible by lifting 145 kilograms to finish third at the All India Police Weightlifting Cluster 2025-26 in Andhra Pradesh’s Amravati.
Sonika lifted a total of 350 kg in the above-84 kg category — 125 kg in squats, 80 kg in bench press, and 145 kg in the deadlift.
🏋️♀️Defying limits, redefining strength💪
W/Ct. Sonika of @DcpNorthDelhi clinched Bronze medal at the All India Police Weightlifting Cluster 2025-26, Amravati (A.P.), lifting a total of 350 kg in 84+ kg category — while 7 months pregnant!
True embodiment of strength, courage &… pic.twitter.com/F9jqYdXAFB
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) October 24, 2025
When Sonika found out in May that she had conceived, her husband thought she would stop training and going to the gym. But the brave Sonika had other ideas.
She continued her weightlifting routines and regular throughout her pregnancy. And it’s that courage and confidence which helped Sonika win a bronze medal in the championship.
Asked about her remarkable story, Sonika revealed that she had researched online and found out that a woman named Lucy Martins had done something similar during pregnancy. She went on to contact Lucy via Instagram and took training tips from her.
Sonika said she consulted her doctor at every step to ensure there was no risk.
A 2014-batch constable, Sonika is currently posted in the Community Policing Cell. She earlier served as a beat officer in Majnu Ka Tila area, where she did commendable work against drug abuse.
Then-Union Minister Smriti Irani recognised her efforts, and she was honoured by Delhi Police Commissioner in 2022, and on Women’s Day.
She had a knack for sports from a young age, and her journey began with kabaddi. But then she discovered her real strength as she started lifting weights in the gym.
She won a gold medal at the 2023 Delhi State Powerlifting Championship, and she was determined to continue her journey come what may.
Her husband Ankur Bana, who has been quite supportive, works in the private sector.