The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, September 22, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a significant achievement for Odisha’s sporting community, Pratyasa Ray has been honored with the prestigious 32nd Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024. The decision was made unanimously by the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee, comprising distinguished jury members from various sectors, during a meeting held today.
Pratyasa Ray, a rising star in swimming with an impressive track record, emerged as this year’s standout recipient. As part of the award, Ms. Ray will receive a cash prize of Rs. 7 lakh — an increase from the previous Rs. 5 lakh — along with a citation at the Ekalabya Puraskar award ceremony, which will be held at a later date.
In addition, sprinter Dondapati Mrutyum Jayaram and badminton player Tanvi Patri will be honored with citations for their outstanding performances at both national and international levels. Each citation winner will receive a cash prize of Rs. 1.5 lakh, up from Rs. 1 lakh, along with citations at the award ceremony.
The Ekalabya Puraskar, instituted by IMPaCT in 1993 and managed by IMFA, a leading ferro alloys producer in the country, has grown to be recognized as the most prestigious sports award in Odisha, comparable to several national honors. A glance at the career trajectories of past awardees confirms that it has been a significant morale booster for Odisha’s best sporting talents. The award is given annually to young sportspersons of Odisha in recognition of their outstanding performances over the preceding two years.
Announcing the winners, Baijayant Panda, Chairperson of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and Trustee of IMPaCT, said, “IMPaCT has continuously sought to recognize and inspire excellence in sports while contributing to the broader welfare of society. The Ekalabya Puraskar is instituted to encourage young sportspersons of the State to excel on national and international platforms.”
The proceedings were organized by Shashanka Pattnaik, Convenor of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee.
