Bhubaneswar: Acting on a directive of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the Sports and Youth Services department today announced cash incentives for the State’s medalists in the upcoming 37th edition of the National Games, scheduled to commence in Goa on October 26.

Accordingly, a Gold Medalist will be awarded Rs 5 lakh, Silver Medalist will receive Rs 3 lakh and Bronze Medalist will be felicitated with Rs 2 lakh, for both individual and team events.

The Odisha contingent will feature over 300 athletes including 180 women and will be participating in 31 disciplines.

Extending his best wishes to the entire contingent, Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera said, “I am certain Odisha will shine at the competition. Over the recent years, our athletes are making their mark at many national and international events. We have seen the stellar exploits of some of our athletes in the Asian Games and the National Games will be no different.”

Driven by the CM’s vision of ‘Sports for youth, youth for future’, Odisha has invested significantly in sports. With improved training and coaching facilities, enhanced sports infrastructure, and a range of support measures, athletes from Odisha are diligently preparing to deliver impressive performances at the National Games. The State's commitment to identifying talent and nurturing its athletes has translated into a stronger, more determined contingent.

These investments in sports development are igniting the aspirations of young athletes and providing them with the tools and resources they need to compete at the highest level, setting the stage for Odisha to make a noteworthy mark in the upcoming National Games.

Recently, the CM recognised the triumphs of Odisha athletes at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Gold medalist and Hockey star Amit Rohidas received Rs 1.5 crore, while his peer, Deep Grace Ekka received Rs 50 lakh for achieving Bronze Medal. Moreover, Javelin ace, Kishore Kumar Jena was also felicitated with Rs 1.5 crore.