Bhubaneswar, Nov. 4: Odisha’s celebrated swimmer Pratyasa Ray was awarded the 32nd Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024 on Sunday evening in recognition of her outstanding performances at national and international levels over the past two years, from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024.

The accomplished athlete received a citation, a trophy, and a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh during a grand ceremony held at a city hotel in Bhubaneswar.

Instituted by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) and managed by IMFA, one of India’s leading Ferro Alloys producers, the Ekalabya Puraskar has become Odisha’s premier sports award since its inception in 1993. Known for its reputation on par with national accolades, this award honors emerging sports talent from Odisha, inspiring young athletes to pursue excellence on both national and international platforms.

In addition to Ray, sprinter Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram and badminton player Tanvi Patri were recognized for their exceptional contributions to sports, each receiving a citation and a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh.

Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Education and Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj graced the ceremony as chief guests, along with Baijayant Panda, Chairman of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee-2024, and other jury members.

Syed Maqbool Ali, a noted management consultant, delivered the inaugural welcome address, while Paramita Panda, trustee of IMPaCT, concluded the event with a vote of thanks. The award ceremony was coordinated by Shashanka Pattnaik, Convenor of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee-2024 and Head of Corporate Affairs at IMFA Ltd.

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