Bhubaneswar: Celebrated weightlifter Priteesmita Bhoi was conferred with Sportsperson of the Year 2025 and hockey coach Kalu Charan Choudhury was honoured for Lifetime Achievement, during the annual awards ceremony of Odisha Sports Journalists Association (OSJA) at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
Similarly, the MGM Group was felicitated for its special contributions to sports promotion. Each received cash reward of Rs 25,000, a citation, a shawl, and a special trophy.
Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj as the chief guest and Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey as the guest of honour presented the awards during the event.
The Sports Minister praised the role of sports journalism as a key medium, beyond government efforts, in promoting sports and athletes. He urged journalists to highlight any obstacles or proposals for grassroots sports development in Odisha. He also announced that a sports museum would soon be established at Kalinga Stadium. Additionally, he promised a media centre with minimum required facilities at the world-class badminton venue ‘Shuttle’ complex.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey highlighted how sports journalism has elevated Odisha’s reputation on the global stage through coverage of its athletes’ successes.
The Winners
Bhoi, the 16-year-old weightlifter from Odisha, brought glory to India by winning the gold medal in the 44 kg category at the 3rd Asian Youth Games held in Bahrain. The sportsperson from Dhenkanal not only clinched the gold medal in 44 kg category at the sporting event but also created new Asian and World records in the clean and jerk event. She had also won gold at the youth 44 kg women’s category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships this year.
With over 3 decades of experience as a hockey coach, Choudhury has trained several players who have represented the state at national and international levels. Because of his undying love for nurturing talents in hockey, he continues to train grooming budding hockey talents realise their full potential at Rourkela.
The MGM Group, represented by AGM (Corporate Affairs and CSR) Uttam Kumar Nayak on behalf of Chairman Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, received recognition for its significant role in advancing sports development in the state. This marked the first time the group was honoured with this award.
OSJA President Sandeep Mishra presided over the function and delivered the welcome address. Secretary Suresh Swain expressed gratitude to all attendees, and Senior Vice President Sameekshya Pattnaik conducted the proceedings.
OSJA, affiliated with Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI), has been conferring these annual awards since 2018 to celebrate excellence in sports and contributions to its promotion.
