Raipur, 29 March (H.S.): Isaac Malsawmtluanga from Mizoram orphaned before turning 16 after losing both parents very nearly quit weightlifting but with support from childhood coach and uncle-aunt pair the 18-year-old defied tragedy and injury to snag men's 60kg gold at Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 lifting a total 235kg despite searing back pain.

Father Heming died in a 2018 road crash the year Isaac took up the sport as family's sole son facing stark choice between competition and earning but coach Soma urged him on securing youth nationals silver in Himachal 2024 only for mother's cancer diagnosis to strike piling emotional financial strain.

Uncle-aunt running tiny Aizawl restaurant took him in funding studies and training yet her death that year crushed him nearly ending his career until they rallied him back now training at Imphal SAI National Excellence Centre while pursuing Class 12 via Indira Gandhi Open School.

Silver at Modinagar juniors bronze at nationals followed but pre-games back injury prompted coach to pull him yet Isaac peaked lifting strong in clean and jerk after snatch runner-up spot with uncle's emotional embrace post-victory underscoring the family bond that fueled his improbable triumph.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar