Jharkhand’s Babulal Hembrom Wins Silver at Khelo India Tribal Games

Raipur: Nineteen-year-old Babulal Hembrom has transformed years of financial hardship into athletic triumph, clinching the silver medal in the men’s 60kg weightlifting category at the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026. Representing Keribanda village in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh District, Hembrom’s journey from improvised training tools to the national podium stands as a testament to sheer resilience.

Forged in Hardship

Hembrom’s path to the senior circuit began with makeshift equipment. Unable to afford professional kits in 2018, he trained using bamboo sticks and iron rods found at local construction sites.

“Financially, we couldn’t afford the equipment… so I made do with what I had,” Hembrom shared. His dedication eventually led him to the Jharkhand State Sports Promotion Society (JSPS), where he endured a 60 km daily commute to train under former Army coach Gurvinder Singh.

A Rising Star in Indian Weightlifting

Despite his humble beginnings—with his mother working as a school cook and his father taking odd jobs—Hembrom has rapidly ascended the competitive ranks:

• 2024 Breakthrough: Won gold in the 49kg category at the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai.

• International Recognition: Earned prestigious medals at the IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championships and the Asian Junior and Youth circuits.

• Current Standing: He now trains at the elite national camps in Patiala, transitioning into the senior competitive bracket.

Eyes on the Global Stage

For Hembrom, the silver medal in Raipur is a stepping stone toward a larger legacy. “This medal gives me the confidence that I am on the right path,” he noted. The young lifter now sets his sights on representing India at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Championships.

As the youngest of five siblings, Hembrom remains fueled by the hope that his continued success on the platform will provide long-term financial stability for his family.