By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha’s swimming sensation, Pratyasa Ray, has been honored with the prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024, recognizing her outstanding achievements at national and international levels from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024. Ray was felicitated with a citation, trophy, and a cash prize of ₹7 lakh at a ceremony held at Mayfair-Convention, Bhubaneswar.
On this occasion, Sprinter Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram and badminton player Tanvi Patri were also honored with citations and cash prizes of ₹1.5 lakh each for their remarkable performances.
Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Dept of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Dept of Energy Government of Odisha, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the evening and Shri Suryabanshi Suraj Hon’ble Minister Education, Sports & Youth Services and Odia Language Literature & Culture Government of Odisha, attended as the Guest of honour.
Trustee Shri Baijayant Panda, Chairman Ekalabya Puraskar Committee-2024 was present along with the esteemed Jury members. Mr. Syed Maqbool Ali, Management Consultant presented the inaugural welcome address. The function ended with Vote of Thanks from Ms. Paramita Panda, Trustee of IMPaCT and the award ceremony was managed by Shri Shashanka Pattnaik, Convenor, Ekalabya Puraskar Committee-2024 & Head- Corporate Affairs, IMFA LTD.
Ekalabya Puraskar, instituted by IMPaCT, managed by IMFA, the leading Ferro Alloys producer in the country, in the year 1993 has come a long way to be recognized as the most prestigious sports award of Odisha, drawing parallels with many national awards. A mere look at the career graph of many of the past awardees confirms that over the years, it has been a moral booster for the best sporting talents in the State. The award is given every year to young sportspersons of Odisha in recognition of their outstanding performance in the preceding two years. IMPaCT’s recognition of these talented athletes inspires future generations to strive for excellence in sports.
