A group of 18 young wrestlers from Odisha, including eight girls, were subjected to a deeply undignified travel experience as they represented their state at a national championship. The athletes had to spend hours sitting on the floor near train toilets during both their onward and return journeys because their tickets were not confirmed by the authorities.
A Journey of Hardship and Discomfort
The incident pertains to the 69th National School Games Wrestling Championship held in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, from December 7 to 12, 2025. The contingent, comprising the 18 student-athletes and four officials, embarked on their journey from Bhubaneswar to Ballia on December 6 aboard the Neelachal Express. Despite bookings being made on November 20, their tickets for the 3-tier air-conditioned coach remained unconfirmed.
Facing no other option, the team boarded the train. For hours, the young wrestlers were forced to sit on their luggage in the cramped and unsanitary space near the toilets. Distressing video clips from the journey show the athletes, with their heads covered to shield themselves from the cold, huddled together on the floor. An official accompanying the group stated they tried in vain to get seats by requesting the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE). It was only after travelling for hours in these deplorable conditions that a request at Hijli in West Bengal secured them 10 seats.
Impact on Athletes and Official Backlash
The return journey on December 12 via the Nandankanan Express mirrored the ordeal of the outward trip, again undertaken without confirmed tickets. One of the athletes, speaking anonymously, highlighted the demoralizing impact of this mismanagement. "How can the authorities expect us to perform well when they can’t even ensure basic things?" the athlete questioned. They described the area near the toilet as stinking and the constant need to shift luggage at every station as major distractions that affected their focus on the competition.
The episode sparked public outrage after the videos surfaced, leading to allegations of gross administrative failure. In response to the backlash, the Odisha School and Mass Education Department has called for a detailed report from the Director of Secondary Education concerning the alleged mismanagement.
Department's Statement and Justification
The department issued an official statement explaining its position. It confirmed that tickets were booked well in advance but could not be confirmed despite sincere efforts. The department defended the decision to send the team, stating it was taken "to ensure that the young wrestlers were not deprived of participating in the national-level championship and to provide them an opportunity to showcase their talent."
This incident has raised serious questions about the planning and logistical support provided to young athletes representing their state at prestigious national events, casting a shadow over their sporting aspirations.
