Northeast Stars Shine as Weightlifting Steals the Show at Khelo India Tribal Games 2026

Raipur, March 2026 : The weightlifting competitions at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, currently underway at the Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University campus, delivered thrilling performances and historic achievements, with athletes from Northeast India dominating the podium.

On March 27, three senior-category events witnessed exceptional displays of strength, technique, and determination. Competitors from across the country participated, but it was the lifters from the Northeast who emerged as standout performers, clinching multiple gold medals. Teams from Chhattisgarh and other states also put up strong challenges, adding to the intensity of the competition.

In the men’s 79 kg category, Arunachal Pradesh’s Richin Chongruju delivered a commanding performance to win the gold medal. He lifted a total of 269 kg, including 120 kg in the snatch and 149 kg in the clean and jerk. Mizoram’s Lalfakawma secured the silver medal with a total lift of 265 kg (119 kg snatch and 146 kg clean and jerk), while Jacob Vanlalatluanga claimed bronze with 250 kg. Odisha’s K. Simanchal finished fourth, followed by Arunachal Pradesh’s Niya Dodum in fifth place and Jammu and Kashmir’s Sohail Abbas in sixth. Athletes from Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh also impressed with their performances.

In the women’s 63 kg category, Odisha’s Bidu Smita Bhoi showcased remarkable strength to win gold with a total lift of 195 kg. Arunachal Pradesh’s Boni Mankhya secured silver with 193 kg, while Assam’s Dungkham Seng Turung claimed bronze with 161 kg. Other notable performances included Assam’s Rume Mech (fourth), Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Tanyasha (fifth), and Chhattisgarh’s Hema Mandavi (sixth). Several other participants, including athletes from Odisha, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, also competed strongly.

The men’s 71 kg category saw Mizoram’s Silvan Beihrothatlo dominate the field with a total lift of 281 kg, earning him the gold medal. Karnataka’s Manjunath Marati took silver with 270 kg, while Arunachal Pradesh’s Tayar Ronik secured bronze with 255 kg. Competitors from Jharkhand, Assam, and Kerala also delivered commendable performances in this category.

In the women’s 58 kg category, Arunachal Pradesh’s Anai Wangsu clinched gold with a total lift of 169 kg, including 74 kg in the snatch and 95 kg in the clean and jerk. Odisha’s Mina Santa secured silver with 165 kg, while Mina Singh, also from Odisha, won bronze with 161 kg. Athletes from Assam and Andhra Pradesh also showcased strong efforts and kept the competition highly competitive.

The weightlifting events at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 have not only highlighted the immense talent emerging from tribal communities across India but have also provided a significant national platform for these athletes to shine. The performances witnessed in Raipur underline the growing depth of Indian weightlifting and the potential of these athletes to achieve success on international stages in the future.

The event continues to serve as a milestone in promoting sports among tribal youth while strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem.