Odisha’s Wheelchair Rugby Champions to Lead Road Safety Movement as #ComeHomeSafe Ambassadors

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has once again shown that true victory lies not only in triumph but in the values that drive it. The Odisha Wheelchair Rugby Team, fresh from winning the 7th National Wheelchair Rugby Championship 2025 and retaining their national title, will now play a new and inspiring role — as #ComeHomeSafe Ambassadors in the State’s flagship road safety movement.

To celebrate the team’s achievement and announce their new role, the Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha, organized an interaction in Bhubaneswar. The event was graced by Usha Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, and Amitabh Thakur, IPS, Transport Commissioner, Odisha, who jointly felicitated the players for their exceptional performance and spirit of resilience.

Also present were Yedula Vijay, Director of 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 — reflecting the inclusive and collaborative approach that Odisha continues to uphold across sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Usha Padhee praised the players for their courage and determination, saying,

“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.”

Amitabh Thakur lauded the team’s discipline and unity, noting that their values align closely with the department’s mission of promoting responsible road behaviour and ensuring every journey ends safely.

The Odisha Wheelchair Rugby Team, comprising Bikramaditiya Jena, Prasanta Nayak, Sujit Kumar Nanda, Akash Banchhor, Litan Sahoo, Sudhir Malik, Murali Benia, Madhuri Benia, Sitarani Nayak, and Goutam Singh, stands as a testament to human willpower. Some players are survivors of severe road accidents — their transformation from trauma to triumph now serves as a powerful message of hope and resilience. Their success continues under the guidance of Coach Shri Surendra Jena, whose mentorship has been key to the team’s consistent national dominance.

Kamalakanta Rath, Secretary, Odisha Para Sports Association, was also present and acknowledged for his persistent efforts in promoting para-sports and empowering athletes across the State.

The Come Home Safe campaign, spearheaded by the Commerce & Transport Department, envisions a future where every journey ends in safety, dignity, and togetherness. Designed to promote empathy-driven road behaviour, the campaign’s interventions — including Zero Accident Day (ZAD) and innovative Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities — are supported by IIT Madras, which contributes behavioural research and data-driven insights to enhance outreach.

By associating the Odisha Wheelchair Rugby Champions as Brand Ambassadors of Care, the campaign gains a deeply human and emotional touch — blending sporting excellence with social responsibility. Their journey from conquering the court to championing safe roads symbolizes Odisha’s unstoppable spirit of courage, compassion, and collective progress.