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Nikita’s KITG gold sparks hope in Chhattisgarh, highlighting her rapid rise in weightlifting
KITG gold has given wings to Nikita’s dreams.
Weightlifter Nikita’s gold medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) has made her an overnight sensation. Handing Chhattisgarh its first and only yellow metal at the event, the 20-year-old garnered appreciation from the state’s Chief Minister, Vishnu Deo Sai.
Competing in the women’s 77kg weightlifting event, Nikita registered a total lift of 160 kg to put Chhattisgarh on the medals tally. A 70kg snatch and a 90kg clean & jerk blew away the remaining contestants by a massive margin.
But back in 2022-23, the golden girl had no idea about the sport. It was during a block-level school event in her hometown, Dalli Rajhara, that she first stepped into the arena, taken there by her Physical Education Instructor (PTI). What began as mere curiosity soon turned into a keen interest.
A veteran weightlifter, Anita Shinde, sensed her potential. Shinde went beyond just encouragement, persuading Nikita’s parents to let her take up the sport professionally.
“It wasn’t easy to convince her parents,” Shinde told News18 Sports. “I had to tell them about my achievements. Nikita was equally interested, so ultimately, her parents agreed.”
“My father was doubtful,” Nikita told the website after winning gold. “But Shinde ma’am called me up, convinced my parents, and that’s how my journey started when I was in Class 12.”
Shinde has been Nikita’s driving force since the very beginning. Nikita initially knew only that it was a sport that required power, but the KITG gold medal has now inspired her to become an international-level athlete like her mentor.
“I’m inspired by Anita, ma’am. She is the reason I’ve been focusing on this sport. She has been my backbone and has taken care of all my sporting requirements. I don’t speak much and was even nervous to face the media after winning the medal. But ma’am gives me confidence,” Nikita said.
Despite her accolades in weightlifting, Nikita is still urged to prioritise academics. But she finds her true peace in training, spending 5-6 hours a day across morning and evening sessions. So deep is her love for the sport that she doesn’t even consider her gold at KITG 2026 as her best effort.
“My best in clean and jerk is 103kg, and I’ve done an 80kg snatch. I couldn’t train for some time as I had visited my village. I could have done much better,” she added.
Nikita’s gold is indeed a matter of pride for the entire state, but it also raises concerns. While the northeastern states combined swept more than half of the weightlifting medals on offer, hosts Chhattisgarh managed just three.
Lucky Babu Markam brought the third and final weightlifting medal for Chhattisgarh, competing in the men’s 110kg category. Having dedicated his life to sports, Lucky also has coaching experience at SAI and is currently training athletes in Ranchi.
Sport has taken him places, and he understands where his home state is lacking.
“There is no dearth of talent in Chhattisgarh, but the problem is a lack of resources. We lack proper infrastructure, and work needs to be done at the grassroots level. That will definitely open the door for more medals,” said Lucky after winning bronze in the 110kg category at KITG.
“If athletes get proper infrastructure – where their diet, accommodation, and training are taken care of – nothing can stop us. Coaches can then monitor talent and produce consistent performances,” he added.
But resources and infrastructure alone are not enough. The bigger issue lies in the lack of sustained commitment. People are willing to play, but often unwilling to step out of their comfort zones. Raipur, being the most well-equipped city, can house world-class facilities to nurture talent. However, that will only take shape if athletes are willing to move out of their villages and pursue opportunities in mainland.
The state has already produced someone like Rustam Sarang, who has represented India at major events such as the World Weightlifting Championships (2011), Asian Games (2014), Commonwealth Games (2014), and multiple Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.
Frustratingly, there has been no representation from Chhattisgarh at the international level after Sarang.
“The players are confined to their homes. They train seasonally and skip routines during festivals. Parents, too, want them to contribute to earning a livelihood. That’s where the government must step in – by building an ecosystem and instilling belief that everything will be taken care of,” Lucky said.
“Competitive spirit is a must in sport. Otherwise, you stay at home, win medals at the district or zonal level, and fade into obscurity,” he added.
Another challenge ahead is raising awareness of the sport. A large section of people in Chhattisgarh is still unfamiliar with disciplines like weightlifting. But with Nikita’s historic gold, Rishika Kashyap’s silver, and Lucky’s bronze, this could well become a turning point in educating and inspiring many more to take it up.
“The Khelo India Tribal Games is a great initiative. After Nikita’s gold, people will know more about the sport and the advantages of becoming a professional and winning medals on a big stage. More importantly, the parents will get to know about weightlifting and send their kids to take it up. As a coach, I will look forward to making people aware of it as much as I can,” said Shinde, Nikita’s coach.
Raipur, India, India
March 31, 2026, 4:11 PM IST
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