Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Odisha Wrestlers Sit Near Toilets on Train
Eighteen young wrestlers and four teachers from Odisha went to a wrestling competition in Uttar Pradesh.
On their way back, they had to sit near the train's toilets because their tickets weren't confirmed.
A video of this went viral, and the education department is now looking into what happened.
The students had to travel for 36 hours in uncomfortable conditions.
The education minister said an inquiry will be held, and the students are asking for special train reservations for athletes in the future.
18 young wrestlers and 4 teachers from Odisha traveled to Ballia, Uttar Pradesh for the 69th National School Games in Wrestling.
Due to non-allotment of berths, the students had to sit near the toilets on the Nandankanan Express during their return journey.
A video of the students' uncomfortable journey went viral on social media, prompting the School and Mass Education department to seek a report.
Odisha Education Minister Nityananda Gond announced an inquiry into the incident.
The students and their families are demanding special reservations for sportspersons to prevent such incidents in the future.
- Who
- 18 young wrestlers and 4 teachers from Odisha
- What
- Forced to sit near toilets on a train due to unconfirmed tickets
- When
- During the return journey from the National School Wrestling Championship
- Where
- On the Nandankanan Express train
- Why
- Due to non-allotment of berths and lack of confirmed tickets
- Number of Wrestlers
- 18 (10 boys, 8 girls)
- Number of Teachers
- 4
- Event
- 69th National School Games in Wrestling (Free Style) U-17 Boys and Girls Championship 2025-26
- Location
- Ballia, Uttar Pradesh
- Train
- Nandankanan Express
- Duration of Journey
- 36 hours
- Action Taken
- Inquiry initiated by Education Minister
