Pallavi Payeng's Inspiring Comeback in Weightlifting After Motherhood

Pallavi Payeng's Journey Back to Weightlifting

Guwahati, March 31: When Pallavi Payeng's daughter was merely six months old, the weightlifter faced a tough choice: to either leave the sport she cherished or reduce her time with her child to return to training.

With the support of her husband, Sukhawon Thouwmung, and her mother, who took care of the baby, Pallavi decided to pursue her athletic career once again.

This decision proved fruitful as she clinched a silver medal in the women's 69kg category at the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games.

A member of Assam's Mising tribe, Pallavi began her weightlifting journey in 2018, earning recognition through various state championship medals.

However, her progress faced a setback during the Covid-19 lockdown, a period when she embraced motherhood. Despite this interruption, her desire to compete remained unwavering.

“Making this decision was challenging. While many women have excelled internationally after becoming mothers, only a woman truly understands the hurdles of regaining full fitness,” Pallavi shared, as reported by SAI media.

“I returned to training when my baby was just six months old. It was an emotional experience, but I believed it was the right moment,” she added.

Now four years old, her daughter divides her time between Pallavi's rented home in Sarupathar and her grandmother's residence in Borpathar, approximately 20 km away in Golaghat district.

Pallavi emphasized the importance of family support during her comeback. “My husband has been incredibly supportive, and my mother ensures our child is well cared for whenever I travel for competitions,” she noted.

Her husband, a former national-level boxing medallist, currently works as a driver with the Border Security Force and is stationed in Jammu.

The return to competitive weightlifting was not without its challenges. Pallavi placed sixth at the 2023 state championships in Golaghat and faced difficulties in a late-night competition in Dibrugarh the following year.

Despite these challenges, she persevered, achieving notable results. In 2025, she earned a silver medal at the state championships in Tezpur and secured gold in the ASMITA league that same year. She followed this success with another gold at this year's ASMITA league.

The silver medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games in Raipur represented a significant milestone in her career.

“This silver medal is a pivotal moment for me. It reinforces my belief that I belong at this level,” she expressed.

Sports Reporter