A young weightlifter from Arunachal Pradesh has delivered an inspiring performance by winning gold in the women’s 58 kg category at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, despite battling a severe health setback just days before the competition. Anai Wangsu’s victory marks a significant milestone, not only for her personal journey but also for the state’s emerging talent in national-level sports.
Triumph Amid Health Challenges
The 21-year-old athlete from the Wangcho tribe faced a major hurdle when her long-standing gastric condition, which has troubled her since 2019, suddenly worsened ahead of the event in Raipur. Hospitalized and put on intravenous fluids, Wangsu showed remarkable resilience to recover in time and compete at the highest level.
Her determination paid off as she lifted a total of 169 kg to secure the gold medal, breaking a streak of near-misses that included multiple silver and bronze medals in previous Khelo India and university-level competitions.
Family Legacy and Personal Motivation
Wangsu’s entry into weightlifting was deeply influenced by her elder brother, Sinchad Bansu, a former national-level lifter and Arunachal Pradesh Police officer. He introduced her to the sport and guided her early training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Itanagar. Initially drawn to boxing after watching the film Mary Kom, she ultimately dedicated herself to weightlifting and honed her skills at the National Centre of Excellence in Lucknow.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her progress, leading to nutritional challenges that further impacted her health. Despite these obstacles, Wangsu persisted, carrying forward her brother’s unfulfilled dreams in the sport.
A Long-Awaited Gold and Renewed Confidence
Speaking after her win, Wangsu expressed joy at finally delivering the gold her family had been waiting for. She acknowledged the unpredictability of her health issues but highlighted how this success has boosted her confidence and motivation to push harder in future competitions.
Her achievement stands as a testament to perseverance, highlighting the potential of tribal athletes from India’s Northeast on the national stage. The Khelo India Tribal Games continue to provide a vital platform for discovering and nurturing such talent across the country.
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- Women’s 58kg Weightlifting
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