From Struggles to Success: Babulal Hembrom's Weightlifting Journey

Overcoming Financial Hurdles

Gurvinder Singh, a former Army coach, advised Babulal Hembrom to focus on weightlifting due to his physique. However, the biggest obstacle for this teenager from Keribanda village in Jharkhand's Ramgarh District was securing funds to pursue the sport. Despite the financial constraints in his area, Babulal refused to give up. He began his training using bamboo sticks and iron rods found at construction sites before eventually joining the Jharkhand State Sports Promotion Society (JSPS) coaching center, which required him to travel 60 km daily to train under Gurvinder.

"Starting weightlifting in 2018 was challenging for me. We couldn't afford proper equipment, so I trained with makeshift tools. Fortunately, I received coaching support from JSPS and my coach, which has brought me to this point," Babulal shared, proudly noting his recent achievement of winning a silver medal in the men's 60kg category at the ongoing Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Chhattisgarh.

"My mother is a cook at a local school, and my father takes on various odd jobs. Financial stability has always been a struggle for us. However, I believe that my success in Khelo India events will pave the way for more medals in the future," said the 19-year-old, the youngest of five siblings.

Aiming for International Glory

Babulal Hembrom has been making significant strides in both national and international competitions within the age-group circuit. In 2024, he secured a gold medal in the 49kg category at the Khelo India Youth Games held in Chennai, followed by impressive performances at the IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championships and the Asian Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championships.

Now transitioning to the senior circuit, Babulal aims to join the Indian team for major international competitions, as he is currently part of the national training camps in Patiala. "Winning this silver medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games has boosted my confidence in my training. Once I return to the national camp, I plan to discuss my future goals with my coaches and train accordingly. My ultimate ambition is to represent India in prestigious events like the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and world championships," Babulal expressed.