Defying Periods, Agnes Fernandez’s Weightlifting Bronze Puts Goa In Khelo India Tribal Games Medal Tally

Last Updated:March 29, 2026, 11:37 IST

Weightlifter Agnes Fernandes lifted a personal best to win Goa’s only medal at KTIG, highlighting grit, sacrifice, and the challenges faced by women athletes.

Khelo India Tribal Games 2026: Agnes Fernandes won bronze in the women’s 69kg category weightlifting event (News18)

Goa quietly made a mark at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Raipur, following a determined effort from weightlifter Agnes Fernandes on Saturday. Competing in the women’s 69kg category, Fernandes secured a bronze medal with a combined lift of 130kg.

Her best attempts — 52kg in the snatch and 78kg in the clean and jerk — left her agonisingly close to silver, missing out by just a kilo. Yet, the performance held significance as it delivered Goa’s first and only medal at the KTIG so far.

Jubilation was galore as she put Goa on the medals tally, but only she knew the circumstances she was battling during her event on Saturday. It was the third day of her periods, yet her determination made the barbell feel much lighter. As a result, she registered her personal best in the clean and jerk.

“Just a few days before this event, I wasn’t feeling good. I also got my periods on the 26th, and the day I competed was my third day. During my previous PR sessions in Goa, I felt very weak and couldn’t lift 75 kg in clean. But here, I lifted 78 kg, which is my personal best,” Agnes told News18 Sports after clinching the bronze medal.

“Before periods, the body often feels weak and not very strong. I have experienced that too. But once you warm up properly, your body adapts and you feel more active. On the competition stage, the bar actually felt lighter. It’s difficult to explain, but proper preparation and mental focus help overcome these physical challenges,” she explained.

Agnes’ achievement might appear ordinary to many, especially men. But in reality, there is no dearth of challenges for women in sports. It becomes even more demanding during periods, which can drain energy faster than usual. Yet, for a committed athlete, skipping training is never an option.

There are ways to manage this phase, and Agnes has found her own approach — slightly modified routines, lighter workouts, and low-intensity sessions.

“Completely skipping training is not helpful, as even short breaks can affect performance. So instead, I maintain continuity with lighter sessions. This way, I stay connected to the sport without putting too much strain on my body,” Agnes said.

“So, it depends on how my body feels. If I’m not feeling energetic or confident, especially on the first or second day, I inform my coach and reduce the intensity. I focus on lighter weights or technique work, often just using the bar to improve form,” she added.

Keeping the physical pain aside, Agnes was soaking in a moment of pride as her journey flashed before her eyes while standing on the podium to receive her bronze medal.

Agnes does not come from a financially sound background. She lost her father at a very young age and understands the weight of life’s struggles. Yet, she continues to leave no stone unturned, doing whatever it takes to keep her training on track and her performance improving.

“There are five siblings in my family. My father passed away when I was in the fourth standard, so financially things have been difficult. However, with time and by God’s grace, we are managing. I try to do whatever I can for my sport with the resources available to me. We are not financially well-off, so I cannot afford everything that might help in my training. Still, I give my best with what I have,” Agnes said.

Circumstances forced Agnes to grow up early, instilling a never-give-up attitude. She took up the sport in 2020 and gradually found her calling in weightlifting. The turning point came during the National Games in Goa in 2023, which motivated her to take the sport seriously.

“It’s not something that happens overnight. I’ve been training consistently since 2020, and more seriously since 2023. There have been interruptions due to exams and other commitments, but I never lost interest. I always came back to training with the goal of winning a national-level medal,” she said.

Although she registered her personal best, she believes she is still behind athletes who have better access to facilities. Goa currently lacks proper SAI or government-supported weightlifting training centres, forcing athletes to rely on local gyms and setups. Meeting nutritional requirements is another major challenge for her.

However, she hopes her achievement at the KTIG will bring more attention to weightlifting in the state.

“I believe I’m still behind many athletes who have better access to facilities,” she said.

“Facilities like hostels, structured diets, and recovery support are not easily available. Nutrition is a major challenge because supplements like protein, creatine, fish oil and multivitamins are expensive and need to be taken regularly. I cannot afford all of them consistently. I mostly manage with basic supplements like protein and creatine, and even those depend on when I can afford them,” she added.

Agnes, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Physical Education in Goa, aspires to become a coach one day. She understands the sport in depth and considers it a safe discipline, even for women. She also credited the KTIG for providing a platform to athletes from tribal backgrounds.

“Platforms like the Khelo India Tribal Games are especially important, they give athletes from tribal backgrounds an opportunity to showcase their talent. Many athletes miss out due to lack of financial support, infrastructure, or family backing. These Games help bridge that gap and provide visibility to those who otherwise might not get a chance,” Agnes said.

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