Odisha school wrestlers forced to sit near train toilets on return from national meet, probe ordered

Bhubaneswar: A return journey from a national wrestling championship turned uncomfortable for 18 young wrestlers from Odisha, who were forced to sit near train toilets after their reserved tickets failed to get confirmed, triggering embarrassment and a departmental inquiry.

The incident came to light after a video clip showing the students seated near the toilets of the Nandankanan Express surfaced on social media and quickly went viral. Taking serious note of the visuals, the School and Mass Education Department on Tuesday sought a detailed report from the Director of Secondary Education.

According to officials, the wrestlers, accompanied by four teachers, had travelled to Ballia in Uttar Pradesh to take part in the 69th National School Games in Wrestling (Freestyle), Under-17 Boys and Girls Championship 2025–26. Tickets for the onward journey from Bhubaneswar to Ballia had been booked in three-tier AC coaches on November 20.

However, problems arose during the return leg. Despite prior bookings, berths were not allotted, leaving the students with no option but to sit near the toilets for a significant part of the journey. The department said efforts were made to secure confirmed return tickets, including approaching the championship’s organising committee, but without success.

In a clarification, the department said the decision to send the wrestlers to the national-level event was taken to ensure they were not denied the opportunity to compete and showcase their talent. The group eventually boarded the Nandankanan Express, requesting the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) to allot any available berths. 10 berths were later arranged near Hijli in West Bengal, officials said.

Terming the incident unfortunate, the department announced plans to hold a coordination meeting with railway authorities to avoid a recurrence of such situations in the future.

Officials also said that 385 players from the state have travelled outside Odisha this year to participate in 19 national-level competitions.

(with inputs from agencies)