Meet the 59-Year-Old Ranger Who Dominated State Sports with Four Gold Medals!

Badal Kumar Mohanty, a 59-year-old range officer from Koraput, has made waves in the sports community by winning four gold medals at a zonal competition. His dedication to fitness and daily walking practice through the forest has led him to excel in various walking events. As he approaches retirement in 2026, Mohanty's achievements have earned him admiration from colleagues, proving that age is no barrier to success in sports. Read on to learn more about his inspiring journey!

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 23, 2025, 10:26 IST

A Remarkable Achievement in Sports

Nandapur: Age is merely a number for those passionate about sports, as demonstrated by Badal Kumar Mohanty, a 59-year-old range officer in Koraput district's Forest department. Mohanty has made headlines by winning four gold medals at a zonal sports competition hosted by the state Forest department in Bhawanipatna.

He excelled in the 400m, 800m, 1,500m, and 10,000m walking events, showcasing his remarkable athleticism. The competition saw participation from over 25 forest divisions across Odisha.

In light of recent changes in the Forest department's regulations, which mandate officers to walk a specific distance during inspections and report their findings, Mohanty's routine of walking through the forest and his extensive field experience played a crucial role in his success.

With retirement approaching on March 31, 2026, Mohanty has earned the title of a 'fit ranger' among his peers. His colleagues from the Balda range and the Koraput forest division have extended their congratulations on his impressive accomplishments.