Arunachal Pradesh and Assam Triumph in Weightlifting at Khelo India Tribal Games 2026
The weightlifting competition at the prestigious Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 concluded on Sunday at Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University in Raipur, delivering thrilling performances and showcasing emerging tribal athletic talent from across India. The event saw Arunachal Pradesh secure the men's overall championship title, while Assam emerged as the dominant force in the women's category, highlighting the growing strength of tribal sports in the northeastern regions.
Overall Team Standings and Regional Dominance
In the men's overall team rankings, Arunachal Pradesh claimed the top position with impressive consistency across weight classes. Mizoram followed closely as the first runner-up, demonstrating their prowess in the sport, while Assam secured the second runner-up spot, adding to their medal tally. On the women's side, Assam's athletes outperformed their competitors to take the overall title, with Odisha earning the first runner-up position and host state Chhattisgarh finishing as the second runner-up, much to the delight of the local crowd.
Men's Weightlifting Highlights and Medal Performances
The men's 110 kg category witnessed a commanding performance from Sambo Lapung of Arunachal Pradesh, who lifted a total of 299 kg to clinch the gold medal. His victory was a key contributor to his state's overall success. Silver went to David Lalzawmdika from Mizoram, who achieved a total lift of 270 kg, showcasing the competitive spirit of the event. Lucky Babu Markam from Chhattisgarh won the bronze medal with a lift of 261 kg, earning applause from the home supporters.
In the men's 110+ kg category, David Johmingmawia of Mizoram dominated with a gold medal-winning lift of 290 kg. Gugulothu Raja Shekhar from Andhra Pradesh secured the silver medal with a total of 255 kg, while Manash Pratim Sonwal of Assam took home the bronze after lifting 223 kg, adding to Assam's overall medal count.
Women's Weightlifting Achievements and Inspirational Stories
The women's 86 kg category was ruled by Sakshi Bandu Burkule from Maharashtra, who lifted 150 kg to claim the gold medal, demonstrating exceptional strength and technique. Rishika Kashyap from Chhattisgarh earned the silver medal with a lift of 121 kg, and in a post-event interview, she credited her coach for her success, highlighting the importance of mentorship in sports. Bitupuna Deori from Assam won the bronze medal, contributing to her state's dominant performance in the women's division.
In the women's 86+ kg category, Josangzuali of Mizoram lifted 140 kg to secure the gold medal, showcasing her power and determination. Pinky Boro from Assam won the silver medal, while Gunjan Uikey from Madhya Pradesh took the bronze, rounding out the podium with impressive displays of athleticism.
Significance of the Event and Future Prospects
The Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 weightlifting competition not only celebrated athletic excellence but also emphasized the government's commitment to promoting tribal sports and providing platforms for underrepresented communities. The event at Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University served as a catalyst for identifying and nurturing future weightlifting champions from tribal backgrounds across India. With such strong performances, the games are expected to inspire more young athletes to pursue weightlifting and other sports, contributing to the broader goals of the Khelo India initiative.
