image credits: sports_odisha
Odisha has recently added another feather to its cap with the remarkable achievements of Bapi Hansda. Bapi clinched a Gold medal in the men’s 400m Run at the 38th National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand.
Bapi Hansda: From Basta to National Glory
Bapi Hansda hails from Basta, Balasore, a coastal city in Odisha. Born into a family of modest means, Hansda’s story is one of resilience and determination. After losing his father in 2008, Bapi faced numerous challenges, but his passion for sports, particularly athletics, became his beacon of hope. His eldest brother worked as a sweeper at a railway station to fund Bapi’s training during his early years, showcasing the family’s commitment to his dream.
Bapi’s Achievements and Recognition
Bapi’s talent was evident early on when he clinched a silver medal in the men’s 400m hurdles at the Asian Youth Athletics Championships, marking him as the first Indian to achieve this feat in this category. This accomplishment brought him into the national spotlight, but his journey began much earlier. At the 18th National Youth Athletics Championships in Udupi in 2023, Bapi won the 400m hurdles race with an impressive time of 51.95s in the finals, catapulting him into the limelight.
National and International Success of Bapi Hansda Odisha
His success continued to soar as he participated in the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2023 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The following year, at the National Junior U20 Federation Athletics Championships held in Lucknow, Bapi not only qualified for the Asian U20 Athletics Championships 2024 but also set a new meet record by winning the gold medal in the men’s 400m with a time of 46.90 seconds.
Training at Odisha’s High-Performance Center
In 2019, Bapi Hansda was spotted by the Odisha High-Performance Center, a testament to Odisha’s growing focus on sports development. Under the guidance of head coach Martin Owens, Hansda has honed his skills, training rigorously at RF Athletics HPC in Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. This facility, provided by Odisha, has been instrumental in nurturing his talent and preparing him for international competitions.
Odisha’s Role in Sports Development
Odisha’s investment in sports infrastructure and talent development has been significant. The state has become a hub for sports like hockey, football, and now athletics, with facilities like the Kalinga Stadium playing a crucial role. Bapi Hansda’s success story is a direct result of Odisha’s strategic focus on sports, providing top-notch training facilities, and support systems for athletes.
Bapi Hansda’s achievements have not only brought glory to Odisha but have also inspired countless young athletes in the state. His story of overcoming adversity through sports serves as a motivational narrative for the youth, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with vigor and determination.
