Naveen Announces Rs 2 Crore For Odisha’s Para Badminton Ace Pramod Bhagat

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a cash award of Rs 2 crore for ace Odisha shuttler Pramod Bhagat to acknowledge his outstanding performance in the Para Asian Games at Hangzhou, China.

Bhagat clinched gold in para badminton men’s singles SL3 event after a hard-fought victory against fellow-Indian Nitesh Kumar in the final.

The singles gold capped a memorable tournament for reigning Paralympic champion Bhagat, who also bagged two bronze medals — in men’s doubles SL3-SL4 and mixed doubles SL3-SU5 events.

“Pramod is one of the finest competitors and an example of sheer determination, and I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to him. I am certain he will continue to make us proud at the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games,” Naveen said, assuring all support for him ahead of the Paris Paralympic Games.

Bhagat expressed his gratitude for the support he has received in the course of his journey.

“I would like to express deep gratitude for the overwhelming support I receive, notably from the Hon’ble CM of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik. At the Asian Para Games, I proudly secured three medals in three events, including one gold and two bronze. This triumph serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for my journey towards the Paris Olympic Games in 2024,” Bhagat said after his singles triumph on Friday.