Raipur, March 30 (NationPress) When Pallavi Payeng’s child was merely six months old, the dedicated weightlifter faced a tough dilemma: either abandon her beloved sport or sacrifice precious moments with her daughter to return to training.

With the support of her husband, Sukhawon Thouwmung, who encouraged her to chase her aspirations while her mother stepped in to care for the baby, Pallavi transformed her sacrifices into achievements, clinching the silver medal in the women’s 69kg category at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games held in Raipur.

Pallavi, a proud member of the Mising Tribe from Assam, started her weightlifting journey in 2018, gradually earning recognition by securing medals at state competitions. However, the Covid-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge, halting her progress as she embraced the responsibilities of motherhood, all while the urge to return to weightlifting remained strong.

The prospect of re-entering the sport after giving birth was both thrilling and intimidating. “It’s quite challenging. While there are many examples of women excelling internationally post-motherhood, only a mother truly understands the hurdles she must overcome to regain her fitness,” Pallavi shared with SAI Media.

“I left my baby when she was just six months old to resume training. It was an emotional choice, yet I believed it was the right moment to restart,” Pallavi explained. Her daughter, now four, shares her time between Pallavi’s home in Sarupathar and her grandmother’s residence in Borpathar, which is approximately 20 kilometers away in Golaghat district.

This decision meant spending long hours away from her child, often leading Pallavi to question her choices. Nevertheless, the unwavering support from her family made her feel less isolated during this journey.

“My husband has been incredibly supportive all along, and my mother ensures that the little one is well looked after whenever I travel for competitions,” she mentioned.

Pallavi’s husband, a former national-level boxing medalist, currently serves as a driver with the Border Security Force (BSF) and is stationed in Jammu.

Despite having such support, her comeback was fraught with challenges. Pallavi’s initial competition post-childbirth was at the 2023 state championships in Golaghat, where she placed sixth. The following year in Dibrugarh was marked by frustration as the competition extended late into the night, making it difficult for her to find her groove.

However, she persevered. By 2025, her determination began to bear fruit. At the state championships in Tezpur, she claimed a silver medal and went on to secure gold in the ASMITA league that same year. Her recent gold medal at this year’s ASMITA league confirmed her ongoing return to form.

Nonetheless, the silver medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games in Raipur felt particularly significant. “This silver from the Khelo India Tribal Games represents a pivotal moment in my career, affirming that I truly belong at this level,” she concluded.