Khelo India Tribal Games 2026: Arunachal Men, Assam Women Emerge Overall Weightlifting Champions

Raipur, March 2026: The weightlifting competitions at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 concluded on a high note, with Arunachal Pradesh crowned overall champions in the men’s category and Assam clinching the top spot in the women’s category.

In the men’s standings, Arunachal Pradesh secured the overall championship title, followed by Mizoram as first runner-up and Assam as second runner-up. In the women’s category, Assam delivered an outstanding performance to emerge as overall champions, while Odisha finished as first runner-up and Chhattisgarh secured the second runner-up position.

The competitions were held at the Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University sports complex in Raipur, where athletes from across the country showcased exceptional strength, technique, and confidence, thrilling the audience throughout the event.

The closing ceremony was attended by Chhattisgarh’s Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap and Raipur Mayor Meenal Choubey, who interacted with the athletes, encouraged them, and presented medals to the winners while wishing them success in their future endeavors.

In key events, Arunachal Pradesh’s Sambo Lapung won the gold medal in the men’s 110 kg category with a total lift of 299 kg. Mizoram’s David Laljawmdika secured silver with 270 kg, while Chhattisgarh’s Lucky Babu Markam claimed bronze with 261 kg, drawing loud cheers from the home crowd.

In the men’s 110+ kg category, Mizoram’s David Johmingmawia won gold with a total of 290 kg. Andhra Pradesh’s Gugulothu Raja Shekhar took silver with 255 kg, and Assam’s Manash Pratim Sonowal earned bronze with 223 kg.

The women’s events were equally competitive. In the 86 kg category, Maharashtra’s Sakshi Bandu Burkule won gold with a total lift of 150 kg. Chhattisgarh’s Rishika Kashyap secured silver with 121 kg, crediting her coach for her success, while Assam’s Bitupuna Deori took bronze.

In the women’s 86+ kg category, Mizoram’s Zosangzuali claimed gold with 140 kg, followed by Assam’s Pinky Boro with silver and Madhya Pradesh’s Gunjan Uikey with bronze.

Athletes from Chhattisgarh also made a strong impact. Bronze medalist Lucky Babu Markam remarked that hosting the Tribal Games in the state has provided a major platform and inspiration for rural and tribal youth to pursue sports at higher levels.

The event was conducted smoothly with well-organized technical arrangements and transparent competition processes. The enthusiastic support from spectators added energy to the performances.

The weightlifting competitions at Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 highlighted the immense sporting talent present in India’s tribal regions, proving that with the right opportunities and platforms, these athletes can make a strong mark at the national level.