Odisha’s Rising Stars: Sports Minister felicitates state athletes with cash awards

Bhubaneswar: Twenty athletes from the state of Odisha were felicitated with cash awards in a ceremony today at the Kalinga Sports Complex in Bhubaneswar.

The athletes, from the disciplines of Karate, Badminton and Yachting (Sailing) were recognized for their outstanding efforts in various National Championships, with a combined total of 22 medals. Present at the occasion to congratulate and felicitate the athletes were Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Sports Director Siddhartha Das and other officials of the Sports & Youth Services Department.

Speaking on the esteemed occasion, Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera congratulated the athletes and praised their dedication. He said, “Today we celebrate the spirit of excellence and determination exemplified by our young athletes from Odisha. Their outstanding achievements in Karate, Badminton, and Yachting have not only brought glory to our state but will also inspire many more. I commend their dedication and passion, and I firmly believe this is just a step towards a future filled with even greater accomplishments. Let this recognition serve as a testament to their hard work.

Seventeen of Odisha’s top performers for the Karate National Championships 2023 were felicitated and were also recognized with cash awards as well.

Among the other athletes felicitated were Manaswini Maharana who was awarded Rs. 30, 000 for her gold medal in YAI Senior National Sailing Championship 2023, Pragati Parida was allocated cash awards of Rs 15,000 and Rs 6,500 for her gold and bronze medal respectively in the All India 35th Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship 2023, and Visakha Toppo was also recognised with two cash of awards of Rs 6,500 for the two bronze medals at the All India 35th Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship 2023 as well.