Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government honoured several sportspersons and persons associated with sports and games on the occasion of the National Sports Day on Thursday.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented the Biju Patnaik Krida Puraskar and Biju Patnaik Sahasikata Puraskar to nine recipients, including ace javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena.
The Sports and Youth Services department of the state government organised the award ceremony at the Convention Centre of the Loka Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar.
The Chief Minister attended the event as Chief Guest and gave away the Sports Awards 2024 to the following recipients:
1. Lifetime Achievement In Promotion of Sports and Games: Lazarus Barla
2. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games: Kishore Kumar Jena
3. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Best Contribution to Promotion of Sports and Games: National Aluminum Company (NALCO)
4. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching (Male): Bijay Kumar Lakra
5. Biju Patnaik Sports Award of Best Para-Sportsperson of the Year: Mohammed Zafar Iqbal
6. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching (Female): Rupanwita Panda
7. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Best Upcoming Athlete (Junior) of The Year: Priteesmita Bhoi
8. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism: Sukesh Ranjan Behera
9. Biju Patnaik Bravery Award: Rudra Prasad Malik
Each of the awardee was given cash award of Rs 2 lakh each along with the trophy and certificate.
Kishore Jena received Rs 3 lakh while Lazarus Barla was presented a cash award of Rs 4 lakh along with the trophy and certificate.
