- Athletes Mrutyam Dondapati and Malay Barik died in road accident.
- Dondapati was top U23 sprinter; Barik competed 400-metre.
- Accident occurred on Cuttack highway late Wednesday night.
- Odisha Chief Minister expressed grief over tragic loss.
Two young athletes from Odisha, Mrutyam Jayaram Dondapati and Malay Barik, have died in a road accident on the Cuttack highway, cutting short their sporting ambitions. The incident took place late Wednesday night and has prompted an outpouring of grief, including from Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who offered condolences to their families.
Dondapati had emerged as one of India’s fastest under-23 sprinters in 2025, while Barik competed in the 400-metre race. Their deaths have come as a major loss to Odisha’s athletics community, with both athletes pursuing careers in competitive sport.
How Did The Cuttack Highway Accident Happen?
Preliminary reports indicate that a group of four people, including three athletes and a swimming coach, were travelling on two two-wheelers when the accident occurred.
Dondapati and Barik were reportedly on the same motorcycle. Athlete Astik Pradhan was travelling on a scooter with the other members of the group, approximately 50 metres behind them. The available information does not establish further details about how the collision occurred.
Who Is Mrutyam Jayaram Dondapati?
Dondapati was gaining recognition in India’s under-23 sprinting circuit. His performances in 2025 placed him among the country’s fastest sprinters in that age category, highlighting his potential to progress further in athletics.
His rise had made him a promising name in Odisha’s sporting circles. His death has brought an abrupt end to a career that was still developing.
Who is Malay Barik?
Barik pursued the 400-metre event, a discipline that tests both sprinting speed and the ability to sustain pace over one lap of the track. He was working to establish himself in competitive athletics.
The loss of Barik and Dondapati has left the state’s sporting community grieving two young athletes whose careers were still taking shape.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his grief following their deaths and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.
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
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