In a competition defined by emerging talent and breakthrough performances, few victories carried as much emotional weight as Anai Wangsu’s gold medal in the women’s 58kg weightlifting category at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Raipur.
For the 21-year-old from Arunachal Pradesh, the gold was not just a medal it was the culmination of years of struggle against illness, near-misses on the national stage, and a promise to fulfil a dream that began with her elder brother.
Battling More Than Just Weights
Just days before departing for Raipur, Anai’s participation itself was in doubt. A recurring gastric condition, which has troubled her since 2019, flared up once again, forcing her to be hospitalised. She required intravenous fluids to recover from severe weakness and dehydration.
In a sport where strength, stability, and physical endurance are non-negotiable, such setbacks can derail even the most disciplined athletes. For Anai, these episodes have been unpredictable, often disrupting training cycles and competition preparation.
Yet, in a reflection of her resilience, she returned to training almost immediately after being discharged.
“I knew I had to compete. I didn’t want to miss another opportunity,” she said after her victory, her voice carrying both relief and determination.
Breaking the Cycle of Near Misses
Anai’s journey to gold has been marked by repeated brushes with success, but never quite reaching the top step of the podium. She had previously secured bronze medals at the youth national level and followed that up with silver medals at various competitions, including the Khelo India University Games in 2025. Despite consistent performances, the gold medal remained elusive.
One of the most defining moments came at the All India University Nationals last year, where she narrowly missed out on gold due to a missed lift within the one-minute time window.
“I cried a lot that day. It felt like everything slipped away in a moment,” she recalled.
That experience, while painful, became a turning point. It sharpened her focus and reinforced her belief that she was capable of going one step further.
A Brother’s Dream, A Sister’s Mission
Anai’s introduction to weightlifting was not accidental it was shaped by her elder brother, Sinchad Bansu, a former national-level weightlifter currently serving with the Arunachal Pradesh Police. Recognising her potential early, he took her to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Itanagar for trials. Initially, Anai was not fully convinced about pursuing the sport.
In fact, like many young athletes, she was drawn elsewhere. With boxing facilities housed in the same complex, and inspired by the popularity of the Mary Kom biopic, she briefly considered taking up boxing.
But it was her brother’s guidance that kept her on the weightlifting path.
“He believed I could achieve what he couldn’t. That stayed with me,” Anai said.
Over time, what began as hesitation turned into commitment, and eventually into a clear goal—to succeed not just for herself, but for her family.
Win Exciting Prizes by Playing Sports Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Anai’s development trajectory also reflects the broader challenges faced by athletes from remote regions. After earning a place at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Lucknow, she was exposed to structured training and better facilities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted that progress. Forced to return home, she struggled with limited access to proper nutrition and training infrastructure. It was during this phase that her gastric issues began and gradually worsened.
“I train hard, but sometimes my body just stops supporting me,” she admitted.
Despite these challenges, she persisted balancing recovery, training, and competition with limited resources.
In Raipur, Anai finally put everything together. Competing in the women’s 58kg category, she produced a composed and commanding performance to clinch the gold medal. Unlike previous competitions where small margins cost her dearly, this time she maintained control throughout, executing her lifts with clarity and confidence.
The victory not only ended her long wait for gold but also validated years of effort under difficult circumstances.
For Anai, the significance of this gold extends beyond the podium. It represents closure, belief, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“My family always asked when I would win gold. Now they are happy,” she said with a smile that reflected both pride and relief.
More importantly, the win has given her confidence confidence that her struggles have meaning, and that her journey is moving in the right direction.
In many ways, Anai Wangsu’s story captures the essence of the Khelo India Tribal Games. It is about opportunity, resilience, and the emergence of talent from regions that often remain underrepresented in mainstream sport. Her victory is not just a personal milestone it is a reminder that potential exists across the country, waiting for the right platform and support.
As she looks ahead, the challenge will be to build on this momentum while managing her health. But if her journey so far is any indication, Anai Wangsu has already proven that she can overcome far more than what lies ahead.
