Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati presented the Biju Patnaik Sports Awards for 2024 to outstanding athletes, coaches, and sports journalists on the occasion of National Sports Day, August 29. The ceremony recognised exceptional contributions to sports and bravery.
National record holder Animesh Kujur received the Best Sportsmanship Award for his achievements in the 100m and 200m events. Sattwik Swain, a two-time world champion chess player, was awarded the Best Emerging Player in the under-9 age group. Rakhal Kumar Sethi, an international wheelchair fencer, received the Best Para Athlete award.
Other notable winners included Judo coach Susama Nanda, who was named Best Coach, and Dr. Sujit Satapathy, who received the Best Technical Sports Officer award. Bijay Kumar Satapathy, an 1981 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
State Kho Kho Association Secretary Pradyumna Mishra was felicitated and Bimal Kumar Roul was recognised as the best sports journalist for best reporting.
The award winners received trophies, certificates, and cash prizes, with the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient getting Rs 4 lakh, the Best Sportsperson receiving Rs 3 lakh, and the Best Para Sportsperson, Emerging Player, Best Coach, and Best Sports Journalist each receiving Rs 2 lakh.
Additionally, Chittaranjan Pradhan and Jiban Kumar Behera were awarded the Biju Patnaik Bravery Award for their courageous acts.
