Though Odisha women lost their next match against eventual champions Kerala 0-24 and finished seventh among eight teams, their sensational debut made them cynosure of all eyes at the Senior National Championship.

According to The Odisha State Swimming Association (TOSSA) president Pradip Kumar Padhee, the water polo success was made possible thanks to the contribution of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) and its swimming coach Dipankar Das.

“All 13 players of the Odisha team are tribal students of KISS. Coach Das made great efforts to prepare this team. Actually it was a junior team with an average age of 14.5 years. But the girls made the State proud by putting up a heart-warming performance in the Senior National Championship,” stated Padhee.

“After the incredible success of our women swimmers, who scripted history by bagging six medals, including one gold in the Senior National Championships, the water polo girls have doubled the joy for the State. TOSSA will try its best to capitalise on the glorious National debut and form water polo teams in as many districts as possible,” he added.

ODISHA WOMEN TEAM: Sukamani Kishan (Goalkeeper), Smitasmruti Sahu, Puja Padhan (Captain), Rinky Murmu, Sualmani Marndi, Subhasmita Majhi, Krushna Priya Nayak, Reshma Majhi, Ashika Toppo, Mamuni Majhi, Anjali Munda, Renuka Tiriya, Rinu Majhi. Coach: Dipankar Das. Manager: Jayashree Palay.
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PICS: Players of all-tribal Odisha women water polo team pose with their coach Dipankar Das and manager Jayashree Palay before leaving for the Senior National Championship.