OSJA Awards: Lifetime Achievement Honour For Arupananda, Birendra Is Sportsperson Of The Year

Bhubaneswar: Tokyo Olympics bronze-winning Indian men’s hockey team member Birendra Lakra received the Sportsperson of the Year trophy at the Odisha Sports Journalists’ Association (OSJA) Annual Awards function here on Monday.

Octogenarian basketball legend and former India player-turned-coach Arupananda Routray was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement award at the function held at KIIMS Auditorium in KIIT Campus to mark the 7th Foundation Day of OSJA.

Experienced defender Lakra, after announcing his retirement, was named as a core probable for the India A team for this year’s Commonwealth Games.

The Awards carried a special trophy, citation and cheque for Rs 25,000 each.

KIIT and KISS Founder and Kandhamal MP Dr Achyuta Samanta was felicitated for his outstanding contribution towards promotion of sports. KIIT Sports Director General Dr Gaganendu Dash received the honour on behalf of Dr Samanta, who is also president of Volleyball Federation of India.

Former Odisha woman cycling international and Arjuna Awardee Minati Mohapatra was Chief Guest, while Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) president Sahadev Yadav, MGM Minerals Chairman and Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) president Pankaj Lochan Mohanty and OCA secretary Sanjay Behera graced the function as Guests of Honour.

IWLF President Yadav showered praise on Odisha government and KIIT for their immense contribution for promotion of sports. Yadav named young Odisha woman lifter Jhilli Dalabehera as a medal prospect for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Presided over by OSJA President Sandeep Mishra and coordinated by Secretary Sambit Mohapatra, the function was attended by many eminent sportspersons, coaches and aficionados.