New Delhi: Odisha’s ace para-badminton player Pramod Bhagat, who won two gold medals at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships, was today rewarded with Rs 35 lakh for his feat by Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State, Youth Affairs & Sports, here.

The minister presented two cheques-- one of Rs 15 lakh for winning gold medal in men’s doubles SL 3-4 category and another of Rs 20 lakh for securing top spot in men’s singles SL 3 category-- to Bhagat for the achievement.

The para-shuttler had partnered with Manoj Sarkar to clinch gold medal in men’s doubles category. The World-ranked 2 Indian pair emerged as champions by defeating Nitesh Kumar and Tarun 14-21,21-15,21-16 in an all-Indians final.

Similarly, he defeated England’s Daniel Bethell 6-21,21-14,21-5 in the final of men’s singles SL 3 category to seal the top spot.

Bhagat was recently selected for the prestigious Arjuna Award. Hailing from Attabira in Bargarh district, Pramod has brought laurels to Odisha and nation several times.