Odisha’s Sporting Stars Shine Bright: Minister Felicitates Top Athletes for Outstanding Performances

Bhubaneswar: In a resounding celebration of sporting excellence, Tusharkanti Behera, the Minister of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, felicitated athletes for their outstanding performances in December 2023.

In his address, he extended heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes for their remarkable achievements. He underscored the government’s persistent efforts to acknowledge and incentivize the state’s talented athletes, expressing confidence that this recognition would serve as a catalyst, propelling them to strive for even greater success in their sporting endeavors.

The spotlight of the felicitation ceremony shone brightly on Odisha’s Kayaking and Canoeing team, champions of the 34th National Canoe Sprint Championship (Senior Men and Women) 2023 held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The contingent, comprising 18 medalists, collectively garnered an impressive tally of 66 medals in the National Championship held in December 2023.

The minister presented cash awards to the top-performing athletes, with special recognition given to Sachima Kerkata, Rashmita Sahoo, and Moirangthem Sophia Devi. Sachima secured four Gold and three Silver medals, Rashmita won four Gold, two Silver, and a Bronze, while Sophia clinched three Gold and two Silver medals, each receiving Rs 90,000.

Other notable awardees included Oinam Bidya Devi, Fulmani Xaxa, Avinash Singham, Salam Kishan Singh, Sagar Kumar, Ahongshangbam Naobi Singh, Pukhrambam Roji Devi, Sruti Chowgule, Phairembam Borish Singh, Thongam Monocha Singh, Salam Arshi Devi, Laishram Borish Singh, Madhusmita Nayak, Elin Alrica Toppo, and Moirangthem Jabez Meitei.

The ceremony also celebrated para-athletes who participated in the World Ability Sports 2023 in Thailand. Suchitra Parida and Jayanti Behera, excelling in Para-athletics, received Rs 34 lakh and Rs 30 lakh, respectively. Swadhin Mahar was awarded Rs 14 lakh for winning Silver in Para-athletics.

Para-badminton players Deep Ranjan Bisoi and Subhrajeet Maharana received Rs 18 lakh and Rs 4 lakh, respectively, for their remarkable achievements. Additionally, para-athletes G Dillaswar Rao, Nurul Hossain Khan, Rakhal Kumar Sethy, V Ramesh Rao, Prafulla Kumar Khandayatray, Pujaswini Nayak, Sheela Mantri, Pabitra Sahu, and Malti Panaure were each awarded Rs 50,000 for their participation in the World Ability Sports 2023.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in acknowledging and rewarding the tireless efforts and exceptional performances of Odisha’s athletes, inspiring them to reach greater heights in the world of sports.