Eighteen-year-old Mizo weightlifter Isak Malsawmtluanga delivered an inspiring performance to win the men’s 60kg gold medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, according to a statement issued by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Isak, who had nearly quit the sport following the loss of both his parents before the age of 16, secured the top podium finish with a total lift of 235kg.
Despite trailing after the snatch round, he produced a strong effort in the clean and jerk segment to clinch gold.
His victory was marked by an emotional moment as he was embraced by his uncle, who has played a key role in supporting his journey.
Isak’s father, Heming Malsawmtluanga, died in a bike accident in 2018, the same year he began training in weightlifting.
The loss left the young athlete struggling to balance his sporting ambitions with family responsibilities. However, encouragement and training from his childhood coach, Soma, helped him continue in the sport.
Another setback followed in 2024 when his mother was diagnosed with cancer, placing the family under emotional and financial strain. During this period, his uncle and aunt, who run a small restaurant in Ramhlun Vengthar, Aizawl, took him in and ensured he could continue both his education and training.
Later that year, his mother passed away, leaving Isak deeply affected and close to quitting the sport. “Losing both my parents broke me completely from inside,” he said, adding that it was once again the support of his coach and his uncle that kept him going.
Since 2024, Isak Malsawmtluanga has been training at SAI’s National Centre of Excellence in Imphal while pursuing his Class 12 studies through the Indira Gandhi National Open School in Aizawl.
His hard work began to yield results, with a silver medal at a junior event in Modinagar in 2025 and a bronze at the National Weightlifting Championships the same year.
His preparation for the Games was further challenged by a back injury, with his coach advising him to skip the competition. Nevertheless, Isak chose to compete and ultimately delivered the standout performance of his career.
The Khelo India Tribal Games is a national platform under the Government of India’s Khelo India initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing sporting talent from tribal communities.
The inaugural edition, being held in Chhattisgarh from March 25 to April 3, features nine disciplines across venues in Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Ambikapur.
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