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Isak Malsawmtluanga faced the brink of giving up weightlifting after the heartbreaking loss of both his parents before he turned 16. This dual tragedy left the young athlete from Mizoram in despair, but the unwavering support from his childhood coach and his uncle and aunt helped him navigate through this challenging period. Recently, the 18-year-old made them proud by winning the gold medal in the men's 60kg category at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026.

Despite struggling with a back injury, Isak showcased remarkable strength in the clean and jerk event, finishing second in the snatch and ultimately securing the gold with a total lift of 235kg. His uncle, who has been a pivotal figure in his life, embraced him immediately after his victory.

Isak's journey began with tragedy when his father, Heming Malsawmtluanga, passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2018, coinciding with the start of his weightlifting training. As the only son, Isak grappled with the decision to either continue his training or seek work to support his family. "During that tough time, my childhood coach Soma encouraged me to stick with weightlifting," Isak shared with SAI Media.

Just as Isak's performance began to improve, winning a silver medal in the 60kg category at the Youth National Championships in Himachal Pradesh in 2024, another setback occurred. His mother was diagnosed with cancer, which placed immense emotional and financial pressure on the family. During this challenging time, Isak's uncle and aunt, who run a small restaurant in Aizawl, stepped in to provide support, allowing him to focus on his studies and weightlifting.

Tragically, Isak's mother passed away later that year, leaving him devastated. The sport that once brought him hope now felt devoid of meaning as he battled loneliness and sorrow. "Losing both my parents shattered me completely," he reflected. "I was on the verge of quitting weightlifting, but my uncle and coach encouraged me to persevere."

Since 2024, Isak has been training at the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Imphal while completing his Class 12 education through the Indira Gandhi National Open School in Aizawl. His hard work began to pay off, as he earned a silver medal at a junior event in Modinagar in 2025, followed by a bronze at the National Weightlifting Championships the same year.

The lead-up to the Khelo India Tribal Games was not without its hurdles. Isak suffered a back injury during training, and his coach advised him to withdraw from the competition to prevent further damage. However, determined to overcome this obstacle, Isak competed in Raipur and delivered an outstanding performance.

"My uncle has always accompanied me to competitions since my father's passing," Isak noted. "He was there with me during the Games as well. When I won the medal, he lifted me in his arms, and I could see how proud he was." After his victory, Isak joined his family for a well-deserved celebration.