New Delhi, March 29 -- Isak Malsawmtluanga was almost on the verge of quitting weightlifting after losing both his parents even before he turned 16. The dual tragedy left the Mizo teenager devastated, but the support from his childhood coach and his uncle and aunt helped salvage his sporting career, and the 18-year-old made all of them proud by bagging the men's 60kg gold medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026.

Battling a troubled back, Isak came up with a strong showing in clean and jerk, being second in the standing after snatch, to clinch the gold medal with a total of 235kg and was immediately embraced by his uncle, who has been the guiding force behind the teenager.

Isak's father, Heming Malsawmtluanga, had died in a bik...