Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government felicitated its athletes who brought glory to the state at the 38th National Games, recognizing their achievements with cash awards and certificates. The ceremony, held at the Kalinga Stadium Tennis Centre, celebrated the dedication and success of Odisha’s sportspersons on the national stage.
Gold medalists were awarded ₹6 lakh, silver medalists received ₹4 lakh, and bronze medalists were given ₹3 lakh in recognition of their outstanding performances. The event was graced by Odisha’s Sports Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, who lauded the athletes for securing Odisha’s place among the top 15 states in the country at the 38th National Games.
“Our athletes are our pride. The true essence of sports lies in celebrating victories and using defeats as motivation to achieve greater success. This achievement at the National Games will inspire many young athletes in Odisha,” the minister said. He expressed confidence that Odisha’s sportspersons would continue to shine in upcoming national and international competitions.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sports development, Suraj announced plans to construct block-level stadiums across the state, aiming to nurture talent at the grassroots level. “We are dedicated to providing all necessary support to ensure that Odisha remains a powerhouse in Indian sports,” he added.
The event was attended by Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, Director Deepankar Mahapatra, Additional Secretaries Bijay Kumar Swain and Ashok Kumar Panda, along with senior officials and representatives from various sports associations.
Athletes who were felicitated expressed their gratitude for the government’s support, stating that such recognition serves as a major motivation for them to strive for greater excellence in their sporting careers.
The 38th National Games took place in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14. The next edition, the 39th National Games, is scheduled to be held in Meghalaya in 2027.
