Eighteen young wrestlers from Odisha endured dehumanising train travel-crammed outside a toilet on a steel floor-to compete at the National School Wrestling Championship, exposing shocking neglect by state sports and education departments amid unconfirmed tickets both ways.
Eighteen under-17 wrestlers from Odisha’s Bhadrak district faced inhumane conditions en route to and from the 69th National School Wrestling Championship in Supaul, Bihar, on 10-15 December 2024.
Without confirmed tickets, they travelled in overcrowded general compartments, squeezed near a train toilet amid luggage.
Odisha’s Sports and School Education Departments drew sharp criticism; officials admitted lapses, launched probes, and pledged reforms, but no compensation or latest updates have emerged. Parents and activists decry systemic failures harming young talent.
Heartbreaking Scenes from the Tracks
A viral video, shared widely on social media, laid bare the ordeal: teenage girls huddled on the grimy steel floor outside a train toilet, their wrestling kits and bags piled around them like barriers against the chaos.
Exhausted after days of competition, they sat shoulder-to-shoulder in the sweltering general compartment of a Howrah-bound train, with no seats or space to stretch.
These athletes, aged 14-17 and hailing from modest families in Bhadrak, had qualified through rigorous state trials to represent Odisha honourably. Yet, what should have been a triumphant journey home turned into a nightmare, with many falling ill from the filth and fatigue.
Parent Sandhya Das, whose daughter clinched a bronze medal, shared her anguish: “She fought hard on the mat, but came back feverish and heartbroken. How can we expect children to chase dreams when the state treats them like this?”
The footage, first posted on X (formerly Twitter), ignited outrage, amassing over 50,000 views and hashtags like #OdishaSportsShame trending locally.
Official Admissions and Promises of Accountability
Odisha Sports Director Sanjay Kumar responded swiftly to the backlash, confirming the incident in a press release. “Funds were allocated for travel, but confirmed tickets weren’t booked due to a procedural oversight by ground staff.
We have initiated an internal inquiry, and those responsible will face strict action,” he stated. Bhadrak District Education Officer Sasmita Panda echoed this, adding, “Coaches handled ticketing, but we own the failure. Reserved berths will be mandatory for all future events, with direct oversight from headquarters.”
No financial aid has been disbursed yet, though the state has covered medical check-ups for the affected girls. Activists like Bhadrak-based sports advocate Rabi Narayan Das called for more: “Probes are fine, but where’s the compensation? These girls deserve respect, not apologies after the fact.” As of 24 December 2025, the inquiry remains ongoing, with no suspensions announced.
Roots in Chronic Sports Logistics Woes
This episode isn’t isolated but symptomatic of deeper cracks in Odisha’s sports ecosystem. The state, which boasts world-class facilities like the Kalinga Stadium, allocated ₹5.25 crore for national contingents in 2024-25 under the Mission Odisha Sports Policy.
Yet, recurring complaints plague travel arrangements. Last July, a sub-junior athletics team endured similar unreserved journeys to Lucknow, prompting a minor audit. In 2023, weightlifters from Ganjam district travelled standing for 20 hours to a national meet.
Experts point to overburdened budgets and decentralised planning. “Rural districts like Bhadrak lack dedicated travel desks, leading to last-minute chaos during peak seasons,” notes sports journalist Pranab Mishra.
The championship itself, hosted by Bihar’s school sports body, saw over 1,500 participants, but Odisha’s contingent of 25 wrestlers (18 girls among them) stood out for their medals-five bronzes-despite the hardships.
Government data shows Odisha’s school sports participation rose 15% since 2022, yet infrastructure lags, with only 60% of national teams getting confirmed travel last year.
Broader Implications for Young Athletes
The fallout extends beyond these 18 girls. Nationally, similar scandals-like Kerala boxers’ plight in 2024 or Haryana swimmers’ bus breakdowns-underscore how travel neglect undermines India’s sports pipeline.
In Odisha, where wrestling is surging in coastal districts thanks to role models like Paris Olympian Sonam Malik, such lapses risk discouraging talent. Parents now hesitate, with enrolment dips reported in Bhadrak academies post-incident.
Health experts warn of long-term risks: cramped, unsanitary conditions expose minors to infections, dehydration, and trauma, potentially derailing careers.
Positive glimmers exist-the Odisha Olympic Association has floated a ‘Travel Assurance Fund’ proposal-but implementation is key.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This travesty shames Odisha’s sporting legacy, reducing resilient young athletes to symbols of bureaucratic indifference and eroding faith in institutions meant to uplift.
At The Logical Indian, we stand for empathy, harmony, and constructive change: departments must foster dialogue with coaches, parents, and athletes, ensuring dignity in every journey.
Invest in systems that nurture dreams, not nightmares—true progress demands accountability paired with kindness.
