Bhubaneswar: Odisha continues to inspire the nation — not just through victories, but through values. The Odisha Wheelchair Rugby Team has once again brought glory to the State by clinching the 7th National Wheelchair Rugby Championship 2025, retaining their national title with unmatched passion, discipline, and teamwork.
To celebrate this remarkable achievement, the Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha, organized an interaction with the team in Bhubaneswar. The event was enhanced by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, and Amitabh Thakur, Transport Commissioner, Odisha, who jointly congratulated the players for their outstanding performance and for emerging as true symbols of courage, inclusion, and care.
Also present on the occasion were Yedula Vijay, Director, Sports, representatives from the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), and IIT Madras, the Knowledge Partner for the Come Home Safe campaign. Their presence underscored the spirit of collaboration and inclusivity that defines Odisha’s approach to both sports and road safety.
Speaking on the occasion, Usha Padhee said, “These champions on wheels redefine strength and spirit. Their victory is not just about sport — it’s about resilience, perseverance, teamwork, and empathy. They embody the very essence of our Come Home Safe movement, reminding every citizen that safety, dignity, and care belong on every road. Their journey teaches us that with determination and compassion, no challenge is insurmountable.”
Amitabh Thakur, in his remarks, appreciated the team’s determination, noting that their discipline and collective strength perfectly align with the Department’s mission to promote responsible behaviour on roads, ensuring every journey ends in safety.
The Odisha Wheelchair Rugby Team includes Bikramaditiya Jena, Prasanta Nayak, Sujit Kumar Nanda, Akash Banchhor, Litan Sahoo, Sudhir Malik, Murali Benia, Madhuri Benia, Sitarani Nayak, and Goutam Singh. Some of the Champions have gone through major road accidents. However, their indomitable spirit and dedication have helped them achieve the impossible. Their success has been guided by Coach Surendra Jena, whose leadership and mentorship have been instrumental in helping the team maintain its dominance at the national level.
Also present on the occasion was Kamalakanta Rath, President, Odisha Para Sports Association, whose tireless efforts have advanced para-sports in Odisha and empowered athletes across the State to excel and inspire others.
The Come Home Safe campaign, led by the Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha, is the State’s flagship road safety movement that envisions a future where every journey ends in safety, dignity, and togetherness. Designed to drive behavioural change and citizen engagement, the campaign focuses on empathy-driven awareness and community participation. Its interventions include Zero Accident Day (ZAD) and other the (IEC) activities are implemented in association with IIT Madras, which serves as the Knowledge Partner, bringing in research, analytics, and innovation-based behavioural insights to strengthen road safety outreach across Odisha.
By associating the victorious Odisha Wheelchair Rugby Team as Brand Ambassadors of Care, the campaign gains a deeply human and emotional dimension — blending sporting excellence with social responsibility. Their journey from conquering the court to championing safe roads truly reflects Odisha’s unstoppable spirit.
