Odisha Sports Minister honors international achievers with cash awards

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to celebrate sporting excellence, Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Suryabanshi Suraj, felicitated four outstanding athletes from Odisha today.

These sportspersons were recognized for their remarkable achievements on the international stage, bringing pride to the state.

The Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations and presented them with cash incentives as a token of the government’s appreciation for their dedication and success.

Among the awardees, Loma Swainwas presented with a cash award of ₹5,00,000 for her Bronze medal victory at the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics.

Sarthak Arya received ₹2,09,000 for clinching a Bronze medal at the 3rd Asian Youth Games. From the world of chess, Padmini Rout was awarded ₹2,00,000 for her Bronze medal finish at the 2025 FIDE World Women’s Team Chess Championship. Additionally, weightlifter Bidushmita Bhoi was honored with ₹1,33,000 for her stellar Gold medal performance at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship.

Addressing the gathering,Suryabanshi Suraj stated, “The hard work and perseverance of our athletes have carved a unique identity for Odisha on the global map. The State Government remains committed to providing the right platform for every talent and aims to transform Odisha into a premier sports hub of the country.”

He further emphasized that such victories would serve as a profound inspiration for the next generation of young athletes and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to enhance sports infrastructure and provide world-class facilities.

The felicitation ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department; Dr. Yedula Vijay, Director of Sports; and Padma Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, along with other senior officers of the department.