Young Odia Athletes’ Ordeal On Train Sparks Outrage; Odisha Govt Orders Probe

Last Updated:December 23, 2025, 22:59 IST

The athletes were en route to participate in the 69th National School Wrestling Championship.

Athletes were forced to travel without seats, sitting on the steel floor near the train toilets

The Odisha government has ordered an inquiry after a video showing young Odia athletes travelling in distressing conditions on a train to Uttar Pradesh went viral, triggering widespread outrage.

The athletes were en route to participate in the 69th National School Wrestling Championship.

School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said the state has taken serious note of the incident and directed officials to probe the circumstances under which the players were made to travel without confirmed tickets.

“An investigation will be conducted into how the athletes were sent. Action will be taken after the inquiry," the minister told CNN-News18. .

According to officials, at least 18 under-16 wrestlers from Odisha, 10 boys and 8 girls, were sent to compete in the national-level event along with four teachers, including three Physical Education Teachers (PETs).

Although 3AC tickets were reportedly booked for both the onward and return journeys, most of them remained unconfirmed.

Assistant Director of the School and Mass Education Department Jyoti Prasad Parida said only four players had confirmed tickets for the onward journey.

The remaining athletes were forced to travel without seats, sitting on the steel floor near the train toilets in general compartments.

Visuals show the young wrestlers huddled near the toilet area with their luggage, wrapped in blankets and jackets to protect themselves from the biting cold.

Some are seen sitting on their bags, while others lie down in cramped spaces, highlighting what many described as inhumane and unsafe travel conditions.

The ordeal reportedly continued on the return journey as well, with the athletes once again travelling without confirmed tickets.

Officials said the inquiry will examine whether proper arrangements were made, fix responsibility for the lapse, and recommend corrective measures to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.

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