Viral Video Exposes Harsh Treatment of Odisha’s Young Wrestlers During National Championship Travel

Odisha, Dec 2025 : A disturbing video circulating widely on social media has triggered outrage by exposing the alleged mistreatment of young athletes from Odisha who were travelling to Uttar Pradesh to participate in the 69th National School Wrestling Championship. The footage shows the athletes enduring inhumane travel conditions, raising serious questions about the arrangements made by authorities responsible for their journey.

A total of 18 wrestlers—ten boys and eight girls—were selected to represent Odisha at the prestigious national-level tournament. However, instead of being provided with safe and dignified travel, the young athletes reportedly faced extreme hardship due to unconfirmed train tickets. As a result, they were allegedly forced to sit near the train toilet throughout their journey, even as temperatures dipped during the winter season.

The viral video shows the wrestlers huddled together in cramped space near the washroom, using their travel bags as makeshift pillows. Both boys and girls can be seen enduring the same distressing conditions, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Netizens have expressed anger and disbelief, accusing the Odisha government’s School and Mass Education Department of negligence and a lack of sensitivity towards athletes who were travelling to represent the state on a national platform.

The incident has sparked concerns not only about administrative lapses but also about the safety, dignity, and mental well-being of minor athletes. Many have questioned how such arrangements could be allowed for school-level players participating in a national championship, calling for accountability and immediate corrective action.

What has further intensified public outrage is the claim that the wrestlers had to return under the same inhuman conditions after their return tickets also reportedly remained unconfirmed. Despite the seriousness of the matter and the widespread attention it has received, the Odisha government has not yet issued any official clarification or response.

Reacting to the incident, Hari Prasad Patnaik, General Secretary of the Odisha State Karate Association, termed it “unfortunate” and stressed the need for systemic improvement. Speaking to ANI, he said the incident exposed flaws in planning and coordination. He pointed out that train ticket availability is often a challenge in India, but emphasized that authorities must think on a larger scale when young athletes are involved and ensure their safety and comfort.

The episode has renewed calls for better planning, accountability, and athlete welfare policies to prevent such incidents in the future, particularly when minors are representing their state at national events.