Jharsuguda’s Pride: Lachhipali’s Jhili Becomes the First Woman Athletics Coach from Sambalpur District

Jharsuguda: Jhili Barik, a native of Lachhipali village under Lakhanpur Block in Jharsuguda district, has brought immense pride to the entire Sambalpur district by becoming its first woman athletics coach. She has been appointed as an Athletics Coach by the Odisha Department of Sports and Youth Services and will serve at the Sports Hostel in Panposh, Rourkela.

Jhili is the daughter of farmer Santosh Barik of Lachhipali village. She completed her Class X education at Jamgaon High School, followed by her Higher Secondary and Graduation from Sambalpur Women’s College. She then earned her Postgraduate degree from G.M. University, Sambalpur, and later completed her Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed.) from the College of Physical Education in Bhubaneswar.

From a young age, Jhili had a deep passion for athletics and sports. During her school days at Jamgaon High School, she received her initial training under Physical Education teacher Mukanta Bag. With dedication and perseverance, she went on to participate in numerous athletics competitions, winning several medals at both the state and national levels.

In 2019, she underwent professional coach training at the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala. After successfully clearing the state-level recruitment examination for athletics coaches, she has now secured her appointment as an Athletics Coach.

Jhili’s achievement is being widely celebrated as a historic milestone for the undivided Sambalpur district. Her success is expected to inspire many young girls to pursue careers in athletics and sports coaching, proving that determination and hard work can break barriers and create new opportunities.