Odisha selects elite para rugby players for national championship

Twenty-nine dedicated para athletes showcased remarkable skill during the Odisha State Para Rugby Championship 2026-27 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. This high-energy competition aimed to identify the top eight players who will represent the state at the upcoming national tournament. Participants demonstrated incredible grit and determination, proving that physical challenges cannot limit true sporting spirit. Wheelchair rugby requires immense upper-body strength, precise coordination, and unified teamwork. Odisha has rapidly developed into a recognized hub for adaptive sports, offering dedicated platforms and infrastructure to nurture disabled athletes. Throughout the recent matches, players pushed their wheelchairs to the limit, blocking opponents and scoring with impressive agility. Surendra Kumar Jena expertly supervised the entire sporting event, ensuring all games proceeded fairly and on schedule.

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Building the National Squad

Sports officials will soon organize an intensive training camp at Kalinga Stadium for the top 15 performers shortlisted from this state-level meet. Coaches and selectors will carefully evaluate these athletes based on their physical fitness, tactical awareness, and on-court execution. Ultimately, only the best eight individuals will earn their spots on the final Odisha team roster. Defending national champions always face heavy expectations. The Odisha para rugby squad carries the proud record of winning the national championship for the past two consecutive years. Kamalakanta Rath, president of the Para Sports Association of Odisha, expressed strong optimism regarding the current talent pool. He expects the newly formed team to maintain their dominant streak and secure another national gold medal this year. This local championship successfully provided a crucial platform for hidden talents to emerge and aim for broader sporting recognition.

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