Bhubaneswar: Indian hockey defender from Odisha, Amit Rohidas, who earned his 100 caps at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and was hailed as a phenomenal first rusher, was conferred with Biju Patnaik Sports Award for outstanding performance in sports and games.
Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera presented the award, which included a citation and Rs 2 lakh, to Amit.
Veteran Hockey coach of Odisha, Kalu Charan Choudhury who has produced many national and international players and continues to train young hockey athletes received the Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Lifetime Achievement in the promotion of sports and games. He received a citation and cash award of Rs 3 lakh.
Biju Patnaik Sports Award for excellence in coaching went to Badminton Coach for para players, Shiba Prasad Das. He received a cash award of Rs 1 Lakh and a citation.
Trailokyanath Parida, ASI Police, Cuttack, received this year’s Biju Patnaik Bravery Award, which included Rs 1 lakh, a silver medal and citation.
Congratulating the winners, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in a video message said, “I extend my warm wishes to all of you on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, celebrated as the National Sports Day. This time we celebrate this day with all happiness, glory and splendour. The performance of the Indian Hockey Teams at the Olympics is a true tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.”
He praised the contribution of the hockey and badminton coaches.
“I also congratulate Trailokyanath Parida for his act of bravery. He has set an example of selfless service,” he said.
Chairman of Odisha Hockey Promotion Council Dillip Tirkey, Secretary of Executive Chairman, State Welfare Youth Board, Bijaya Nayak, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department, R Vineel Krishna were present.
