Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today felicitated Javelin star, Kishore Kumar Jena with a cash award of Rs 1.5 cr for his stellar performance in the recently concluded Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China.
Jena bagged a Silver medal bringing laurels to the state and nation and sealed his berth in the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.
Kishore attained a personal best of 87.54m to secure the silver medal.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Jena was a source of pride for Odisha and went on to commend him for the landmark achievement. He further expressed his confidence that Jena would bring more laurels to the state and wished him the best of luck for the Paris Olympics.
Secretary (5T) V K Pandian was also present during the felicitation and congratulated the athlete for his exemplary journey and wished him for his upcoming events.
Jena thanked the Chief Minister for recognising his effort and achievement and expressed his gratitude to Odisha Government for leading by example and supporting sportspersons that help them stay focussed on their game.
The Javelin star who hails from Puri, has become a shining example in the world of athletics. He has had an immensely successful year. In the build-up to the Asian Games he impressed with a 5th place finish at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest for which he was recognised with a cash award of Rs 50 Lakh by Chief Minister Patnaik.
He has consistently beaten his personal best throughout the season and will be eager to replicate this trend at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.
