From Fish Market To National Fame: Odisha Teen Wins Gold In Rifle Shooting

Berhampur: In an inspiring tale of determination and grit, 14-year-old Mousumi Simalai from Paralakhemundi in Odisha’s Gajapati district has captured national attention by winning the Gold Medal in Rifle Shooting at the All India Thal Sainik Camp (AITSC) 2025, held in New Delhi.

A Class IX student at Centurion Public School, Mousumi rose above fierce competition from over 1,200 cadets nationwide, emerging as the top shooter in the NCC Junior Wing Girls category.

The prestigious camp, held from September 2 to 11, featured 1,546 cadets from 17 NCC Directorates, competing across various disciplines.

What makes Mousumi’s victory especially remarkable is her humble background. She is the daughter of Manika and Balai Chand, fish vendors who earn a modest livelihood near Gajapati Stadium. Hailing from Sanjay Gandhi Colony, the family’s financial struggles never deterred Mousumi’s ambition or discipline. With relentless effort, she turned her dreams into a golden reality.

Her triumph has sparked widespread celebration in Paralakhemundi and across Odisha, with locals preparing a hero’s welcome as she returns from Delhi. For many, Mousumi’s story is a beacon of hope—a testament to how perseverance can break barriers of class, caste, and circumstance.

The Centurion Public School community is jubilant. Under the leadership of President Dr. Mukti Mishra, Vice President D.N. Rao, Director Durga Prasad Padhi, Registrar Anita Patra, Principal Sunita Panigrahee, and other key members including Regional Director Sambeet Patra, Vice Principal J.K. Nayak, Administrator Santosh Deo, Dean Dr. S.P. Nanda, and mentor Anumatangi Guru—the school has hailed Mousumi as the “Golden Girl of Gajapati.”

As she returns to her hometown, her journey from the bustling fish markets of Paralakhemundi to the elite shooting ranges of Delhi stands as a powerful symbol: that dreams know no limits when fuelled by hard work and courage.