Bhubaneswar, Aug 24: Once a name which echoed in international arenas, now it lies in the bustling slum of Salia Sahi, tucked away from the limelight. She is non other than Sarita Rautaray, a Special Olympian from Odisha.

Sarita brought pride to India by clinching a gold medal in beach volleyball at the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles and a bronze in floor hockey at the 2017 games in Austria.

Sarita’s journey began in the narrow lanes of Salia Sahi, where she overcame personal and societal challenges to represent her country on the global stage. Her victories were not just athletic—they were symbolic of resilience, determination, and the power of inclusion.

But today, her medals lie quietly in a small box, beneath layers of memory and modest belongings.

Now, years later, she lives with her mother in the same slum, working at an Open Learning Systems institute, where she trains children with special needs.

Despite her international accolades, Sarita earns a meager salary, yet continues to serve with quiet dignity and unwavering commitment.

Her story is a poignant reminder of how easily society forgets its heroes. Sarita Rautaray may no longer be in the headlines, but her legacy lives on in the lives she touches every day.

(Report By: Shatarupa Samantaray)