Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj praised the state’s athletes for their dedication and excellence as the Sports and Youth Services Department honored 165 athletes for their outstanding performances across 24 different sports disciplines. The awards ceremony, held today, recognized the efforts of athletes who have brought laurels to the state in various competitions. A total prize amount of more than ₹66 lakh was distributed to the winners.
The athletes, who represented a wide range of sports, were felicitated for their exceptional achievements in athletics, chess, cycling, hockey, karate, kho-kho, rugby, shooting, softball, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, pentathlon, weightlifting, wushu, triathlon, para-judo, and para-swimming. The event also saw eight mountaineers being honored, each receiving a cash prize of ₹2 lakh for their outstanding contributions to the sport.
In his address, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj emphasized that Odisha’s athletes have brought immense pride to the state and have firmly established Odisha as a prominent sports hub both nationally and globally. “Our athletes are our pride. Odisha has carved out a distinct identity on the national and global sports stage due to the dedication and excellence of its athletes. They will continue to bring laurels to the state in the upcoming competitions,” said Suraj.
The Minister also highlighted the state government’s commitment to the holistic development of sports. He assured that all necessary facilities, support, and encouragement would be provided to nurture the talent in Odisha and ensure continued success on the national and international stages.
Several of the athletes expressed their joy and gratitude upon receiving the awards, with many stating that the recognition and cash prize would serve as further motivation to achieve even greater success in the future. The Minister also reiterated that the state’s focus remains on creating a conducive environment for the growth of sports, supporting athletes with the resources they need to excel.
The event, which celebrated the triumphs of these athletes, reinforced Odisha’s unwavering commitment to fostering sports and empowering its athletes to continue reaching new heights. With the state’s support and infrastructure growing stronger, the future looks bright for Odisha’s sportspersons, who are bound to continue making their mark in competitive sports both at home and abroad.
