ChatGPT Image Aug 8, 2026, 08_54_33 PM.png

About Us

Wushu Association of Orissa

The Wushu Association of Odisha (WAO) is the official governing body for the promotion, development, and regulation of the sport of Wushu in the State of Odisha. Established in 1992 and registered under the Societies Registration Act (Registration No. 3951–627 of 1991–92), the Association is dedicated to nurturing athletes, coaches, referees, and officials while promoting the values of discipline, respect, perseverance, and sporting excellence.

Recognized by the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, the Odisha Olympic Association, and affiliated with the Wushu Association of India (WAI), the Association serves as the apex body responsible for organizing state championships, district competitions, coaching camps, referee seminars, athlete development programs, and selection trials for national and international competitions.

Today, the Association continues to work towards making Odisha a leading centre for Wushu by creating opportunities for young athletes, strengthening grassroots participation, and promoting the sport across every district of the state.

History of Wushu in India

Wushu, popularly known worldwide as Chinese Martial Arts or Kung Fu, was formally introduced in India in 1989. Since its introduction, the sport has witnessed remarkable growth, transforming from a relatively unknown martial art into one of India's recognized competitive disciplines.

To oversee its development nationwide, the Wushu Association of India (WAI) was established as the National Sports Federation responsible for governing the sport across the country. The Association is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and is a member of the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), Wushu Federation of Asia (WFA), and the South Asian Wushu Federation (SAWF).

Over the past three decades, Indian Wushu has achieved remarkable milestones:

Representation at the Asian Games, World Wushu Championships, Asian Championships, World Cup, and several international competitions.
Regular organization of Senior, Junior, and Sub-Junior National Championships.
Inclusion in School Games, Khelo India, National Games, and university competitions.
Production of internationally recognized athletes who have won medals for India on the global stage.
Recognition of Indian athletes and coaches through prestigious national sporting honours.

Today, Wushu is practiced across almost every state and union territory of India, with thousands of athletes participating annually in structured competitions under the Wushu Association of India.

History of Wushu in Odisha

The history of organized Wushu in Odisha dates back to 1989, when the Wushu Association of Orissa was formed under the leadership of Er. S. S. Harichandan, an internationally renowned martial artist and pioneer of Wushu in India.

While the Association began its operations in 1989, it was formally registered under the Societies Registration Act in 1992, providing an institutional framework for the continued development and administration of Wushu in the state.

From its early beginnings, the Association played an important role not only in developing Wushu in Odisha but also in contributing to the growth of the sport at the national level. Wushu Association of Orissa was among the early state bodies and founding members associated with the establishment of the Wushu Association of India.

Pioneering Leadership

The foundation of Wushu in Odisha is closely associated with the vision and contribution of Er. S. S. Harichandan.

Among his significant contributions to Indian Wushu:

Introduced and established organized Wushu in Odisha in 1989.
Became India's first International Wushu Federation (IWUF) International Judge in 1993, qualifying in Malaysia.
Served as the Chief Coach for the first Sports Authority of India (SAI) Wushu Diploma Coaches Course in 2000.
Played a foundational role in developing India's early generation of qualified Wushu coaches and technical officials.

His contribution helped establish a pathway through which Wushu could progress from a martial art practiced by enthusiasts to a structured competitive sport with trained athletes, coaches and technical officials.

Odisha's Role in the Early National Development of Wushu

Odisha was among the earliest states to host major national-level Wushu competitions. In 1994, Cuttack hosted the first-ever Sub-Junior and Junior National Wushu Championships, organized by the Wushu Association of Orissa.

This landmark event established Odisha as an important centre in the early development of competitive Wushu in India and demonstrated the Association's capacity to organize national-level championships at a time when the sport was still developing its national structure.

Building India's Coaching & Technical Foundation

The legacy of Er. S. S. Harichandan continued through the next generation of Wushu professionals.

Mr. Pradyumna Behera, who emerged as the topper of the first SAI Wushu Diploma Coaches Course in 2000, went on to establish himself as an accomplished coach and international technical official.

He subsequently became the second International IWUF Judge from Odisha and has continued to make a significant contribution to Indian Wushu. He currently holds an important technical leadership role within the Wushu Association of India, contributing to the development and conduct of Wushu competitions and technical standards at the national level.

The progression from athlete development to coaching and technical officiating reflects one of the defining strengths of Odisha's Wushu ecosystem: creating not only champions, but also coaches, judges and technical leaders who contribute to the sport nationally and internationally.

Development of Wushu Across Odisha

Over the years, the Wushu Association of Orissa has worked to establish a structured sporting ecosystem across the state, with emphasis on:

Development of district-level Wushu associations and training centres.
Regular conduct of State Wushu Championships and selection trials.
Promotion of both Sanda and Taolu disciplines.
Development and education of coaches, judges, referees and technical officials.
Introduction and promotion of Wushu among schools, colleges and young athletes.
Increased participation of women and youth in competitive Wushu.
Preparation of athletes for National Championships, National Games, School Games, University competitions, Khelo India and international events.
Providing a pathway for talented athletes to progress from grassroots competition to national and international representation.

A Legacy of National & International Contribution

Over more than three decades, Odisha's Wushu movement has evolved from its pioneering beginnings into a growing competitive ecosystem producing athletes who have represented Odisha and India at national and international championships.

The Association's legacy extends beyond medals. Its contribution can be seen in the development of:

Athletes • Coaches • Judges • Referees • Technical Officials • Sporting Institutions

From the pioneering work of Er. S. S. Harichandan to the continuing contribution of coaches and technical officials such as Mr. Pradyumna Behera, generations of practitioners have carried forward the foundations established in Odisha.

Today, the Wushu Association of Odisha remains committed to strengthening this legacy through grassroots development, athlete welfare, technical excellence and the creation of opportunities for the next generation of Wushu practitioners.

From a pioneering beginning in 1989 to a growing presence on the national and international stage, the journey of Wushu in Odisha is a legacy built through vision, discipline, knowledge and generations of dedicated practitioners.