Odisha felicitates winners of Biju Patnaik Sports Award

Bhubaneswar: Indian hockey defender from Odisha, Amit Rohidas was conferred the Biju Patnaik Sports Award for outstanding performance in sports and games.

Amit received a citation and a cash award of Rs. 2 lakh from Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera.

Veteran Hockey coach of Odisha, Kalu Charan Choudhury who has produced many national and international players and continues to train young hockey athletes received the Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Lifetime Achievement in promotion of sports and games. He received a citation and cash award of Rs 3 lakhs.

Biju Patnaik Sports Award for excellence in coaching went to Badminton Coach for para players, Shiba Prasad Das. He received cash award of Rs 1 Lakh and a citation.

Trailokyanath Parida, ASI Police, Cuttack received this year’s Biju Patnaik Bravery Award. He received a cash award of Rs 1 lakh each, a silver medal and citation.

Congratulating the winners, the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in a video message said, “I extend my warm wishes to all of you on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, celebrated as the National Sports Day. This time we celebrate this day with all happiness, glory and splendour. The performance of the Indian Hockey Teams at the Olympics, is a true tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.”

“Hockey has a special place for sports in Odisha. I am happy that the lifetime achievement award has been given to Shri Kalu Charan Chaudhry, hockey coach and the outstanding performance award has been given to Shri. Amit Rohidas. Congratulations to both of you. It is a tribute to Odisha’s players and coaches, who have contributed to Hockey development in the state,” he said.

“I would like to congratulate Shiba Prasad Das for the award for excellence in coaching. His contribution towards Pramod Bhagat is well known. We are confident that Pramod Bhagat will make us all proud at the Tokyo Paralympics. I also congratulate Trailokyanath Parida for his act of bravery. He has set an example of selfless service,” the Chief Minister said.

Chief Minister further added, “Over the past few weeks, Odisha’s model of sports is hailed all over the country. The entire country loves Odisha for supporting the national hockey teams who have gone on to script history at the Tokyo Olympics. Our model of partnership and High Performance Centres has drawn national attention. It is an endorsement of our vision, investment and efforts in sports. This is an opportunity for each one us to work together with heightened commitment to take sports to greater heights. I am sure many more coaches and players will be inspired to bring glory to the state and country.”

The awards were given in the august presence Chairman, Odisha Hockey Promotion Council, Dillip Tirkey, Secretary, Executive Chairman, State Welfare Youth Board, Bijaya Nayak, and Commissioner-cum- Secretary, Sports and Youth services Department, R. Vineel Krishna.

Sportspersons and officials of the Sports department were also present at the annual Award ceremony.