Odisha Athletes Forced to Travel Near Train Toilets: State Negligence Exposed

In a shocking incident of administrative negligence, 18 young athletes from Odisha were forced to travel in inhumane conditions to participate in the National School Wrestling Championship in Uttar Pradesh. The contingent, comprising 10 boys and 8 girls, had to travel in a general coach near the train washrooms in biting cold due to the lack of confirmed tickets. The report highlights the apathy of the State Department, which allegedly failed to make adequate travel arrangements for the budding sportspersons. As per the transcript, the athletes were 'forced to travel, in the biting cold, next to the washroom in the train'. The incident has sparked outrage over the treatment of future sporting heroes.