Bhubaneswar: Sports and Youth Service Department of Odisha government honored 129 athletes with a total cash reward of ₹17,83,500 in recognition of their exceptional performances at national and international events. The athletes, representing various disciplines including Kho Kho, Wushu, Karate, Pencak Silat, Para athletics, Baseball, Taekwondo, Deaf Cricket, Ju-Jitsu, Wheelchair Fencing, Para Swimming, Weightlifting, Swimming, Para Badminton, and Chess, were celebrated for their contributions to the state’s growing sports legacy.
The event was attended by Siddhartha Das, Director of Sports, who presented the cash rewards to the athletes. Also present at the ceremony were OAS Officer Sonali Chand and other senior officials of the department.
In his address, Director Sports Siddhartha Das commended the athletes for their outstanding performances and for bringing honor to Odisha. “It gives me immense pleasure to be presenting these cash rewards today. Our athletes have made Odisha proud, and I hope they continue to bring glory to the state and the nation. I wish them continued success in their future endeavors,” he said.
He also emphasized Odisha’s commitment to recognizing the efforts of athletes and supporting the development of a strong sports ecosystem in the state.
The cash rewards were distributed across the following disciplines:
- Kho Kho: ₹3,75,000
- Wushu: ₹1,96,000
- Karate: ₹3,58,500
- Pencak Silat: ₹2,60,000
- Para Athletics: ₹1,17,000
- Baseball: ₹24,500
- Taekwondo: ₹98,000
- Deaf Cricket: ₹62,500
- Ju-Jitsu: ₹53,000
- Wheelchair Fencing: ₹70,000
- Para Swimming: ₹53,000
- Weightlifting: ₹44,000
- Swimming: ₹37,000
- Para Badminton: ₹30,000
- Chess: ₹5,000
This initiative is part of Odisha’s ongoing efforts to honor and motivate its athletes, ensuring that their hard work is celebrated and further fueling the state’s drive to excel in various sporting disciplines.