Odisha’s young 400m runner Malaya Barik has reportedly passed away following a serious road accident late last night.
The 20-year-old quartermiler was an active member of Odisha’s 4x400m relay team. He recently competed at the U23 Nationals in Jaipur, where he finished sixth in Semifinal 3. He also recorded his lifetime best of 48.23 seconds in the heats at the same meet.
He trained under Siba Mishra, who also coached Dutee Chand, one of India’s fastest female sprinters.
“This is a very tragic loss, as Malaya was supposed to be part of Odisha’s 4x400m relay team,” said Siba Mishra, reacting to the incident.
Malaya had joined HPC Odisha a few months ago, following the Open Nationals.
Details of the Road Accident
Malaya was travelling with fellow sprinter Mrutyam Jayaram Dondapati, who also lost his life in the tragic accident. According to the details received, four people—three athletes and a swimming coach—were travelling on two two-wheelers.
Jayaram and Malaya were on the motorcycle involved in the accident. Astik Pradhan, who recently won silver in the men’s 400m at the U23 Nationals in Jaipur, was reportedly travelling on a scooter around 50 metres behind them, along with the other two members of the group.
The group was reportedly travelling to attend a Sambalpuri melody orchestra in Cuttack when the tragedy occurred.