Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Majhi presented the Biju Patnaik Sports and Bravery Awards to state atheletes of different disciplines, support staff and others associated with sports at the Convention Hall in Lok Seva Bhavan on the occasion of National Sports Day on Thursday.
While urging players to follow Dhyan Chand (considered the first superstar of hockey and in whose memory National Sports Day is celebrated) as their role model, Majhi said, “Our athletes are our pride and glory.Their sacrifice, courage and excellence inspire all of us, especially the youngsters. I thank them for their contributions to sports and wish them more success in the future, hoping that they bring more glory to the state. The success of athletes is the success of all of Odisha and every Odia is proud of their achievement.”
Among the award recipients on Thursday were ace hockey player Lazarus Barla, who received a cash award of Rs 4 lakh, a trophy and a certificate for his contribution to the sport, while Olympian javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena received a cash award of Rs 3 lakh, a trophy and a certificate for his performance.
Fourteen-year-old Preetismita Bhoi was awarded Rs 2 lakh and a plaque for her achievements in weightlifting.
Similarly, technical official Rupanwita Panda, visually impaired cricketer Mohammad Jafar Iqbal, hockey coach Vijay Kumar Lakra and NALCO were awarded Rs 2 lakh, a trophy and a certificate each for their contribution to promotion of sports.
Journalist Sukesh Ranjan Behera received Rs 2 lakh, a trophy and a plaque for his contribution to sports journalism.
Jayanti Mallik from Kendrapara district and her 12-year-old son Rudra Mallik were honoured with the Biju Patnaik Bravery Award for risking their lives to rescue a person from Brahmani river. They were awarded a cheque of Rs 2 lakh and a silver medal for their bravery.

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