Woman karateka Loma Swain became the first sportsperson from Odisha to win a medal at the 25th Summer Deaflympic Games in Tokyo, Japan today. She made the State and the country proud by bagging one bronze medal in women’s individual below 50kg kumite event.

After getting byes in the first two rounds, Lome lost to Hubanova Maryna of Ukraine 0-2 in the semifinals. But she qualified for the repechage round, where she beat Brazilian opponent Bahia Vieira da Silva Isabella 2-0 to clinch the bronze medal.

A total of seven competitors participated in this event. Zakizadehbabakan Nahal (Ireland) and Hubanova Maryna (Ukraine) secured the gold and silver medal respectively. Gadra Armani (Algeria) also claimed bronze medal, winning her repechage round.

Karate India Organisation (KIO) president Bharat Sharma congratulated Loma and the accompanying coach Sunil Rathee on the bronze medal achievement. He also announced a cash award of Rs. 1,51,000.00 for Loma.

Odisha Sports Council of the Deaf president Asit Mishra and director Alok Choudhury described the achievement of Loma as the greatest ever in the history of sports for the deaf in Odisha. “The achievement of Loma will inspire deaf athletes of Odisha, especially the girls to join sports.”

Reacting to the bronze medal win by Loma, her father Sanjay Swain said: “I have no words to express my joy. She has made our Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha state and the country proud. I am thankful to everyone who facilitated her participation in the Deaflympics and helped her win the medal.”
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PHOTO: Loma Swain poses with India coach Sunil Rathee after winning the bronze medal at the Deaflympics in Tokyo on 24 November 2025.