# Two Promising Athletes Die in Road Accident in Odisha, Shock Waves Across Sports Fraternity

> Two young athletes from Odisha, sprinter Mrutyunjay Jayaram Dondapati and 400m runner Malay Barik, lost their lives in a tragic road accident near Cuttack.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Sports · **Published:** 2026-10-22 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/sports/odisha-men-saraka-hadase-ka-shikara-hue-do-ubharate-athletes-mrityunjaya-aura-malaya-ki-mauta-se-pasara-matama-50690 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Odisha, Road Accident, Athletes, Mohan Charan Majhi, Cuttack, Sports News

The sports fraternity in Odisha is plunged into deep grief following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of two rising athletes. The victims have been identified as promising sprinter Mrutyunjay Jayaram Dondapati and 400-meter runner Malay Barik, both of whom were undergoing rigorous training to elevate their sporting careers. Their sudden demise has left their families, coaches, and fellow competitors in profound shock, casting a pall of gloom over the regional athletic community.

 

## Tragic Crash on the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar National Highway
 The fatal accident took place on October 21 at approximately 10:30 PM near Nakhara along the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar National Highway. According to available details, Mrutyunjay was traveling alongside his training partner Malay when the vehicle met with the disaster. Immediately after the crash, both injured athletes were rushed to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for urgent medical intervention. However, the attending doctors pronounced them dead upon arrival, dealing a crushing blow to everyone who knew them and followed their athletic progress.

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## Training at Kalinga Stadium High-Performance Center
 Mrutyunjay Jayaram Dondapati was widely regarded as one of the country's bright under-23 prospects, steadily carving out a reputation in short-distance sprinting events. Concurrently, Malay Barik was making notable strides as a dedicated 400-meter runner. Both young sportsmen were based at the High-Performance Center located inside the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, where they spent countless hours practicing to sharpen their competitive edge. Their untimely passing cuts short two promising journeys that held immense potential for the state and the nation.

 

## Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Expresses Deep Anguish
 State leaders have reacted with immense sorrow to the tragedy, with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi leading the tributes. Taking to his official social media account, the Chief Minister wrote on X to convey his heartfelt condolences over the passing of Mrutyunjay Jayaram Dondapati and Malay Barik, noting that their loss is an irreparable blow to the sports sector. He prayed for strength for the grieving families and eternal peace for the departed souls during this unimaginably difficult time.

## What this means for you
This tragic incident underscores critical safety concerns on major roadways, carrying significant implications for daily commuters and travelers.

- **Across India:** The recurring fatal crashes on national highways highlight the urgent need for stricter speed regulations and improved nighttime visibility. This event serves as a stark reminder for all drivers to exercise extreme caution during late-night travels.

- **In Odisha:** The tragedy along the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar highway has deeply shaken the local community and raised pressing questions about regional road safety enforcement. Local authorities face mounting pressure to implement effective measures to curb speeding and accidents on this busy stretch.

## Why this happened
The fatal collision occurred due to hazardous conditions and high-speed transit on a major highway late at night, culminating in the untimely deaths of the two athletes.

- **Time and Location:** The crash took place at approximately 10:30 PM on October 21 near Nakhara along the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar National Highway while the athletes were traveling.

- **Immediate Hospitalization:** Both individuals were swiftly transported to the SCB Medical College and Hospital following the impact, where medical professionals pronounced them dead upon examination.

- **Ongoing Review:** Local law enforcement authorities are examining the exact circumstances and vehicular factors that contributed to the severity of the late-night crash.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Who was Mrutyunjay Jayaram Dondapati?
Mrutyunjay Jayaram Dondapati was a promising under-23 sprinter from India training at the Kalinga Stadium High-Performance Center.

### 2. What sport did Malay Barik play?
Malay Barik was a dedicated 400-meter runner who was practicing in Bhubaneswar.

### 3. When and where did the accident happen?
The tragic road accident occurred on October 21 at around 10:30 PM near Nakhara on the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar National Highway.

### 4. What happened when they reached the hospital?
Upon being taken to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, the attending doctors pronounced both athletes dead.

### 5. Which leader expressed condolences over the tragedy?
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the demise of the two athletes on social media.

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