In the weightlifting arena at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Raipur, Babulal Hembrom stood on the podium with a silver medal around his neck.
For many, it was another promising performance in India’s growing strength sports ecosystem. But for the 19-year-old from Jharkhand, it was another step in a journey defined by resilience, improvisation, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Hailing from Keribanda village in Ramgarh district, Babulal’s path to competitive weightlifting has been anything but conventional. His story is not built on early access to infrastructure or structured training, but on persistence in the face of financial hardship.
A Beginning Shaped by Constraints
Babulal’s entry into weightlifting came in 2018, when former Army coach Gurvinder Singh recognised his physical potential and encouraged him to focus on the sport. However, identifying talent was only the first step the real challenge was sustaining it.
With limited financial resources at home, investing in proper equipment or training facilities was not an option. His mother worked as a cook in a local school, while his father took up odd jobs to support the family. As the youngest of five siblings, Babulal grew up in an environment where basic stability itself was a challenge.
Instead of stepping away, he adapted.
Using bamboo sticks and iron rods found at construction sites, he began training on his own, replicating weightlifting movements with whatever resources he could access. It was a rudimentary setup, but it allowed him to build strength, technique, and most importantly, belief.
“It was difficult, but I didn’t want to stop. I knew I had to keep going somehow,” he reflected.
A turning point came when Babulal joined the Jharkhand State Sports Promotion Society (JSPS) coaching centre. The opportunity brought structured training, but not without its own challenges.
To train under coach Gurvinder Singh, Babulal had to travel nearly 60 kilometres daily. The commute was demanding, both physically and financially, but it provided him access to proper guidance and facilities elements that began shaping his competitive edge.
Under structured coaching, his raw potential started translating into measurable performance.
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Babulal’s progress over the past two years has been steady and significant. In 2024, he announced himself on the national stage by winning gold in the 49kg category at the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai.
That success opened doors to international competition, where he continued to impress. He secured medals at both the IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championships and the Asian Junior and Youth Championships, establishing himself as one of India’s most promising lifters in his age group. These performances not only validated his training but also reinforced his transition from a grassroots athlete to a serious contender on larger platforms.
Silver in Raipur, Confidence for the Future
At the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, Babulal competed in the men’s 60kg category, finishing with a silver medal. While not the top podium finish, the result holds significant value in the context of his ongoing transition.
“This medal gives me confidence that I am on the right path,” he said after the event.
The move from youth to senior competition is often the most challenging phase in an athlete’s career. The level of competition rises sharply, and consistency becomes critical. For Babulal, this silver medal is an indication that he is adapting well to the demands of the senior circuit.
Now part of the national training setup in Patiala, Babulal is focused on the next phase of his career. The objective is clear secure a place in the Indian team for major international events. His ambitions are aligned with the biggest stages in the sport, including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Championships.
“Once I go back to camp, I will work with my coaches on the next targets. I want to represent India at the highest level,” he stated.
Babulal’s journey is not just about individual success. It represents the potential that exists in regions where access to sport is still limited. His rise underscores the importance of initiatives like Khelo India and state-level support systems in identifying and nurturing talent.
From training with improvised equipment to standing on national and international podiums, his story reflects the impact of opportunity when combined with determination.
The next step for Babulal will be consistency translating his potential into regular podium finishes at the senior level. With access to better facilities, coaching, and competition exposure, the foundation is now in place.
However, the mindset that brought him this far resourcefulness, discipline, and resilience will remain his biggest assets.
One Lift at a Time
For Babulal Hembrom, progress has always been incremental. Each medal, each competition, and each training session has contributed to a larger goal. From bamboo sticks to international medals, his journey continues to evolve one lift at a time.
And if his trajectory holds, the next chapter may well see him representing India on the biggest stages in weightlifting.
