Raipur, March 29 (NationPress) Isak Malsawmtluanga faced the brink of abandoning weightlifting after the heartbreaking loss of both his parents before he turned 16. This tragedy profoundly impacted the young athlete from Mizoram, yet the unwavering support from his childhood coach, along with his aunt and uncle, revived his passion for the sport. At just 18, he made a remarkable comeback by clinching the gold medal in the men’s 60kg category at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026.

Battling through a challenging back injury, Isak showcased his skill in the clean and jerk, achieving a second-place finish after the snatch segment. He ultimately secured the gold with a total lift of 235kg, and was instantly celebrated by his uncle, a pivotal figure in his life.

Isak's journey began under tragic circumstances when his father, Heming Malsawmtluanga, tragically died in a motorcycle accident in 2018, the same year Isak took up weightlifting. As the only son in the family, he grappled with the choice of either continuing his training or seeking work to support his family.

“During that tough period, my childhood coach Soma provided immense motivation and encouraged me to persist with weightlifting,” Isak shared with SAI Media.

As Isak began to flourish, earning a silver medal in the 60kg category at the 2024 Youth National Championships in Himachal Pradesh, he was dealt another blow: his mother was diagnosed with cancer, placing immense emotional and financial strain on the family.

During this trying time, Isak's aunt and uncle extended their support by taking him into their home. They managed a small restaurant in Aizawl’s Ramhlun Vengthar area, ensuring he could balance his studies while continuing his weightlifting training uninterrupted. Tragically, later that same year, Isak's mother succumbed to her illness, plunging him into deep sorrow. For a time, the sport that once filled him with hope seemed devoid of meaning as he battled loneliness and grief.

“The loss of both my parents shattered me completely,” he reflected. “I was on the verge of quitting weightlifting, but my uncle and coach urged me to carry on.”

Since 2024, Isak has been training at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) 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 another silver medal won at a junior event in Modinagar in 2025, followed by a bronze at the National Weightlifting Championships later that same year.

Even as the Khelo India Tribal Games approached, Isak faced numerous obstacles. He suffered a back injury during training, prompting his coach to suggest he withdraw from the tournament to prevent further injury.

Yet, determined not to let anything hold him back, Isak took to the platform in Raipur and delivered the performance of his life.

“My uncle has been my constant companion at competitions since my father's passing,” he noted. “He was right there with me today. The moment I won the medal, he lifted me in his arms. I could see the joy in his eyes,” he said, heading off to celebrate with his family.