Bhubaneswar: Shrimati Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department and Chairperson of IDCO, has extended her warmest congratulations to the Odisha Para Fencing Team for their historic victory at the 2nd National Para Fencing Championship 2026. The team demonstrated unparalleled dominance at the SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan, clinching the title of National Champions and bringing immense pride to the state.
The Odisha contingent delivered a masterclass in skill and resilience, securing a total of 12 medals, including 6 gold and 6 bronze, in the opening days of the tournament alone. In a series of high-stakes encounters, the Men’s and Women’s Foil Teams both defeated Haryana with identical scores of 15–06 to claim gold. Individual brilliance was also on full display, with Rakhal Kumar Sethi and Omm Prakash Behera winning gold in their respective categories, while athletes like Narmada Singh, V. Ramesh Rao, and Rahul Malik added to the tally with hard-earned bronze medals.
Shrimati Padhee lauded the achievement as a defining moment for Odia Asmita, noting that the journey of these athletes is a powerful narrative of courage and unwavering determination. She emphasized that their success is not just a sporting milestone but a cultural inspiration that is shaping a more inclusive and spirited Odisha. The victory in Jaipur serves as a testament to the state’s growing prowess in para-sports and its commitment to fostering talent that can excel on the national stage.
The triumph of the Para Fencing Team is being celebrated as a symbol of the indomitable Odia spirit. Their resilience in the face of challenges has set a new benchmark for excellence, proving that with passion and perseverance, no goal is out of reach. As the champions return home, their golden run in Rajasthan will be remembered as a significant chapter in Odisha’s sporting history, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams with the same grit and grace.