Bhubaneswar, Dec 24: Widespread outrage has erupted after 18 school wrestlers from Odisha, including eight girls, were forced to endure humiliating and unsafe travel conditions while heading to and returning
from the 69th National School Games Wrestling Championship in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, earlier this month.
The wrestlers, who competed at the national event from December 7 to 12, reportedly travelled for several hours sitting on the floor near train toilets with their luggage during both their onward and return journeys, as their train tickets were not confirmed by the authorities.
Multiple videos showing the young athletes huddled near toilets, sitting on their bags and covering their heads to protect themselves from the cold, went viral on social media, triggering sharp criticism over athlete welfare and administrative lapses.
Journey Without Confirmed Tickets
According to reports, the athletes and four accompanying officials travelled from Bhubaneswar to Ballia on December 6 by the Neelachal Express without confirmed tickets. Their return journey on December 12 via the Nandankanan Express also took place under similar circumstances.
An official who accompanied the contingent said repeated attempts to arrange seats failed.
"We tried hard to get the tickets confirmed or to manage at least seats by requesting the TTE so that the athletes can travel by sitting, but we failed to do so. After that, they travelled by sitting on the floor near the toilet," the official said.
The official added that after several hours of travel in deplorable conditions, a request to the Ticket Examiner eventually helped them secure 10 berths at Hijli in West Bengal.
Athletes Allege Mismanagement
One of the wrestlers, speaking on condition of anonymity, blamed the authorities for the ordeal and said it affected the team's focus and performance.
"How can the authorities expect us to perform well when they can't even ensure basic things? We had to travel in very undignified ways. The area near the toilet was stinking. We had to move with our luggage every time the train stopped. We couldn't concentrate on the games," the athlete said.
Shockingly, the wrestlers were reportedly forced to return under the same conditions, as their tickets remained unconfirmed for the journey back.
Government Response After Backlash
Following the public backlash, the Odisha School and Mass Education Department sought a detailed report from the Director of Secondary Education and initiated a probe into the alleged "mismanagement".
The department clarified that the state government had booked 3-tier AC class tickets for the wrestlers' travel, but despite this, the return tickets were not confirmed, resulting in the distressing situation. It reiterated that the TTE later allotted 10 berths at Hinjili near Kolkata.
Speaking to ANI, Hari Prasad Pattanayak, General Secretary of the Odisha State Karate Association, termed the episode deeply unfortunate and pointed to systemic issues.
"It is definitely an unfortunate incident. The system needs to be improved. Getting train tickets in India is very difficult. We have to think more broadly," Pattanayak said, as quoted by ANI.
SOP With Railways, Action Promised
In response, the Odisha government announced that it is preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with Indian Railways to prevent such incidents in future and ensure dignified travel arrangements for student athletes. When myKhel reached out to Odisha Sport, the spokesperson conveyed the same saying, "The School and Mass Education Department has released an official statement. "
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible if lapses are confirmed. Officials also said coordination with Indian Railways would be strengthened to ensure confirmed tickets well in advance for teams representing the state at national competitions.
The episode has once again highlighted serious concerns over grassroots athlete welfare, with members of the sporting community calling for accountability and structural reforms to ensure young athletes are treated with dignity while representing Odisha on the national stage.
