Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police constable Rasmita Sahu has secured a place in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, emerging as a rising name in India’s water sports arena.
Currently training in Tehri, Uttarakhand, Sahu is preparing for international competition with a disciplined routine as she gears up to represent the country on a major global stage. Her selection has been hailed as a proud moment for both Odisha Police and the state.
In a message shared on X, Odisha Police congratulated her achievement, calling the canoeing star “Odisha’s pride” and expressing confidence in her performance at the Games.
Sahu’s journey to the Asian Games has been marked by resilience and determination. Born in 2002 in a modest fisherman’s family in Choudwar in Cuttack district, she faced significant personal hardships early in life. Her father, the sole breadwinner, was left incapacitated after a road accident in 2011, and she lost her mother in another accident a few years later.
Despite these setbacks, she continued her education and pursued sports with focus. Initially aspiring to become a footballer, her path changed after she was introduced to canoeing while swimming in the Mahanadi river. Inspired by the sport, she joined the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Jagatpur in 2017 and began formal training.
Since then, Sahu has built an impressive record at the national level, winning 41 medals, including 13 gold, 14 silver, and 14 bronze. Her achievements also earned recognition at the national level, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting with her during a “Mann Ki Baat” broadcast in September 2025.
Balancing her duties as a police constable with a demanding training schedule, Sahu’s journey reflects grit and perseverance. Her story is increasingly seen as an inspiration for young athletes, particularly women, aspiring to succeed in sports despite challenging circumstances.
With the Asian Games now in sight, Sahu is set to carry both national hopes and a remarkable personal story onto the international stage.
