Sambhalpur, Dec. 24 -- In a shocking incident, a group of 18 athletes from Odisha endured severe hardships as they were made to sit near the toilets during their train journey to participate in the National School Wrestling Championship in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia.

The contingent, comprising 10 boys and 8 girls, had to travel in a general coach near the train washrooms in biting cold due to the lack of confirmed tickets.

Following the incident, Odisha Education Minister Nityananda Gond took cognizance and said that the matter will be carefully looked into, followed by an inquiry, adding that action will be taken after gathering the exact details of the incident.

"I have been informed that our students who travelled to UP for the national...