Tragic Loss: Odisha's Rising Athletes Mrutyam Jayaram Dondapati and Malaya Barik Killed in Road Accident
Devastating Accident Claims Young Athletes
Bhubaneswar: The athletics community in Odisha is mourning the tragic loss of two talented young athletes, Mrutyam Jayaram Dondapati and Malaya Barik, who tragically lost their lives in a late-night road accident near Nakhara on the Kataka-Bhubaneswar National Highway.
Reports indicate that the incident took place around 10:30 PM. Both athletes were quickly transported to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Kataka, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.
Jayaram was recognized as one of India's fastest sprinters in the under-23 category, while Malaya was a promising talent in the 400-meter event. Both were receiving professional training at the Kalinga Stadium High-Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar.
Odisha's Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic demise of athletes Mrutyam Jayaram Dondapati and Malaya Barik in a road accident. Their untimely passing is a profound loss to Odisha’s sporting fraternity."
He further extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, wishing them strength during this challenging time and eternal peace for the departed souls.
Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of athletes Mrutyam Jayaram Dondapati and Malaya Barik in a road accident. Their untimely passing is a profound loss to Odisha’s sporting fraternity.
My heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families. May Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath grant them strength in this difficult time and eternal peace to the departed souls.
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) October 22, 2026
The news of their passing has reverberated through the athletics community, with coaches, fellow athletes, and sports fans expressing their sorrow and offering condolences to the grieving families.
This unfortunate incident has abruptly ended the promising careers of two young athletes who were eager to leave their mark on Indian athletics.