Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Odisha Wrestlers Face Harsh Travel Conditions
Eighteen young wrestlers from Odisha had to travel in very bad conditions to a big wrestling competition.
They didn't have proper train tickets, so they had to sit on the floor near the toilets in the cold.
This happened on their way to and from the competition in Uttar Pradesh.
People are very upset because the wrestlers are children representing their state, and they should have been treated better.
Some politicians are blaming the government for not taking care of the wrestlers properly.
The government hasn't said anything about it yet.
18 young wrestlers from Odisha traveled in harsh conditions without confirmed train tickets for the 69th National School Wrestling Championship.
They were forced to sit on the floor near train toilets in severe winter cold.
The same conditions were faced on their return journey to Odisha.
Parents or guardians were not allowed to travel with the team, raising concerns about supervision.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and political criticism, with demands for accountability from the State Department of School and Mass Education.
- Who
- 18 young wrestlers from Odisha
- What
- Forced to travel in harsh conditions without confirmed train tickets
- When
- December 23, 2025
- Where
- Odisha to Uttar Pradesh and back
- Why
- Lack of planning and arrangement of confirmed tickets by authorities
Government
Public and Opposition
Accountability for the Incident
Government
The government has ordered an inquiry to determine the cause of the mismanagement.
Public and Opposition
The public and opposition parties are demanding accountability and better arrangements for the athletes.
- Location
- Odisha, India
- Event
- 69th National School Wrestling Championship
- Number of Wrestlers
- 18 (10 boys, 8 girls)
- Travel Conditions
- No confirmed tickets, sitting near train toilets in cold
- Public Reaction
- Widespread outrage and political criticism
- Department Involved
- State Department of School and Mass Education
- Political Response
- Congress leader Navajyoti Patnaik criticized BJP-led government
Sources
Odisha Wrestlers Forced To Travel Near Train Toilets In Freezing Cold Without Tickets For Championship
Young Odisha Wrestlers Compelled To Travel Near Train Toilets In Winter To Attend National School Wrestling Championship | WATCH
Video: 18 Odisha Wrestlers Sit Near Train Toilet Due To Unconfirmed Tickets
Odisha Wrestlers Forced To Sit Near Toilets, Travel In 'Inhumane Conditions' For National School Wrestling Championships | VIDEO
Young Odisha wrestlers forced to travel near train toilets without tickets for national championship
Viral video: Wrestlers forced to sit near train toilet, Odisha govt reacts
No confirmed tickets, 18 young Odisha wrestlers travel sitting near toilets for national event
‘We Wrote to Railways, But…’: Odisha Athletes Sit by Train Toilets, Miss Match - Who's Behind This Apathy?
