Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday felicitated seven visually-impaired cricket players from the State for their remarkable achievements at the International Blind Sports Federation – IBSA World Games 2023 in Birmingham, England, held recently.
As a recognition of their outstanding accomplishments, CM Patnaik presented a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh to each of the women players from Odisha, namely Padmini Tudu, Basanti Hansda, Jhili Birua, and Phula Soren, who were part of the Indian women’s team that won the gold medal.
MD. Jafar Iqbal, Nakula Badanayak, and Pankaj Bhue, from the State, were each presented with Rs 15 lakh as they were part of the Indian Men’s team, which won the silver medal.
Congratulating the cricketers, CM Patnaik said, “The players have made us all proud with their outstanding achievements in spite of all the challenges they faced in reaching this level. Their remarkable talent, dedication, and hard work is an inspiration for all.”
