Biju Patnaik Sports Awards 2024 Presented on National Sports Day in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Outstanding athletes, coaches, and sports journalists were honoured at the Biju Patnaik Sports Awards 2024, presented by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on the occasion of National Sports Day, August 29. The annual ceremony celebrated excellence in sports while also recognising acts of bravery.

National record holder sprinter Animesh Kujur received the Best Sportsmanship Award for his achievements in the 100m and 200m events. Young chess prodigy Sattwik Swain, a two-time world champion in the under-9 category, was named Best Emerging Player, while international wheelchair fencer Rakhal Kumar Sethi was honoured with the Best Para Athlete award.

The Best Coach title went to Judo coach Susama Nanda, while Dr. Sujit Satapathy was recognised as the Best Technical Sports Officer. Veteran athlete and 1981 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Bijay Kumar Satapathy was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-standing contribution to Indian sports.

The State Kho Kho Association’s Secretary Pradyumna Mishra was felicitated, and journalist Bimal Kumar Roul received the Best Sports Journalist award for his impactful reporting.

Along with trophies and certificates, the awardees were given cash prizes: ₹4 lakh for the Lifetime Achievement Award, ₹3 lakh for the Best Sportsperson, and ₹2 lakh each for the Best Para Athlete, Emerging Player, Best Coach, and Best Sports Journalist.

The ceremony also honoured courage beyond the sporting field. Chittaranjan Pradhan and Jiban Kumar Behera were awarded the Biju Patnaik Bravery Award for their heroic deeds.