Odisha Govt felicitates 237 athletes with cash rewards for outstanding performance

Bhubaneswar:  In recognition of the outstanding performance at national and international levels, Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department today honored 237 athletes from across the state.

Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera felicitated the athletes with cash rewards at a special event here in the presence of department Secretary R Vineel Krishna and other officials.

Total Rs 1.8 crore money was awarded to the athletes of various disciplines. Out of the total of 237,  172 belong to athlete and 65 para-athlete categories.

Congratulating the athletes, the Sports Minister said, “the state Government has come up with a number of schemes for the betterment of sports and sportspersons. We have been able to build infrastructure for players and help them excel in their respective events.”

“We have built 11 High Performance Centres in the state for players. Yesterday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik visited Kalinga Stadium and laid foundation stone of 89 indoor stadiums and inaugurated a number of major sports projects. The cash award is in recognition of your hard work and outstanding achievement. You all are role models for the younger generation,” said the Minister addressing the athletes.

The annual cash reward scheme of the Sports Department aims at encouraging and motivating players and inspiring them for higher achievements.