Khelo India Tribal Games 2026: Orphaned Young Manipur’s Teen Isak Malsawmtluanga Wins Gold In 60kg Weightlifting

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Teenager Isak Malsawmtluanga won the men's 60kg gold medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Raipur. He lifted a total of 235kg. He had entered the clean and jerk round in second place. He then secured the top spot despite a troubled back.

The win came after a huge loss at home. Isak lost his father in 2018 and his mother in 2024. He was still under 16 when he became an orphan. After his final lift in Raipur, his uncle embraced him. The moment underlined his long journey.

Family tragedy and early doubts

Isak's father, Heming Malsawmtluanga, died in a bike accident in 2018. That was the same year Isak began weightlifting training. As the only son, he considered leaving sport to support the family. Money weighed on his mind at that time.

His childhood coach, Soma, stepped in with strong advice. "At that time, my childhood coach Soma motivated me a lot and asked me to continue weightlifting," Isak told SAI Media. The guidance kept him in the sport during a difficult period.

Mother's illness and support from relatives

Isak's form improved by 2024. He won silver in the 60kg category at the Youth National Championships in Himachal Pradesh. Soon after, his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Treatment brought emotional stress and financial strain to the family.

His uncle and aunt then took charge of his care. The couple run a small restaurant in Aizawl's Ramhlun Vengthar area. They ensured he could study and train without breaks. Later in 2024, his mother died, leaving him deeply distraught and lonely.

"Losing both my parents broke me completely from the inside," he said. "I had almost decided that I would quit weightlifting, but my uncle and coach once again persuaded me to continue." Their push kept his career alive during his lowest phase.

Training base, studies and medal progress

Since 2024, Isak has trained at the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence in Imphal. He is also pursuing Class 12 studies. He does this through the Indira Gandhi National Open School in Aizawl, balancing books and weights.

Results soon started to follow his hard work. He added another silver medal at a junior event in Modinagar in 2025. Later that year, he claimed bronze at the National Weightlifting Championships. These medals built confidence before the Khelo India Tribal Games.

Preparation for the Games was far from ideal. Isak suffered a back injury during training before Raipur. His coach even advised him to skip the event. They feared the injury could become worse under competition pressure and heavy lifts.

Isak still chose to compete. He managed the snatch and stood second after that phase. Then he produced a strong, clean and jerk series to reach a 235kg total. The effort gave him the men's 60kg title despite earlier pain concerns.

Uncle's constant presence and celebrations

Isak said his uncle now travels with him for competitions. That practice started after his father's death. "My uncle always travels with me for competitions since my father passed away," he said. His uncle was also present at the Raipur venue.

"He was here with me as well. As soon as I won the medal, he lifted me in his arms. At that moment, I realised how happy he was," Isak said. He then left to join extended family celebrations.