In a stirring story of resilience and determination, Assam’s Pallavi Payeng clinched a silver medal in the women’s 69kg weightlifting category at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games in Raipur. Her achievement stands out not just for sporting excellence but for the personal sacrifices behind it.
Payeng, a member of the Mising tribe, returned to competitive weightlifting after motherhood, overcoming both physical and emotional challenges. Her journey reflects the growing depth of talent emerging from India’s tribal communities through structured platforms like the Khelo India initiative.
Balancing Motherhood and Sporting Dreams
The 30-year-old athlete made the difficult decision to resume training when her daughter was just six months old, leaving the child in the care of her family. Now four years old, her daughter continues to stay between Payeng’s residence and her grandmother’s home, allowing the athlete to pursue her sporting ambitions.
Payeng has openly acknowledged the emotional toll of this decision, noting that returning to peak fitness after childbirth is a demanding process that only women truly understand. Her husband, a former national-level boxer, and her mother have played a crucial role in supporting her journey.
A Journey Marked by Setbacks and Revival
Having begun her weightlifting career in 2018, Payeng initially showed promise at state-level competitions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and her transition into motherhood interrupted her progress. Her return to the sport was gradual, with a sixth-place finish at the 2023 state championships followed by mixed results in subsequent events.
The turning point came in 2025, when she secured a silver medal at the state level and went on to win gold medals in the ASMITA league, signaling a strong comeback.
Silver Medal Signals New Beginning
Her performance at the Khelo India Tribal Games is being seen as a breakthrough moment in her career. Payeng described the silver medal as a confidence booster, reinforcing her belief that she belongs at the national level.
The Khelo India Tribal Games, aimed at identifying and nurturing talent from tribal regions, have once again highlighted inspiring stories like Payeng’s—where perseverance, sacrifice, and ambition come together to create champions.
