Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, August 29: Former basketball player and popular sports organiser Ashok Kumar Sahoo and ace hockey player Birendra Lakra took the top honours of the Biju Patnaik awards conferred by the Government of Orissa at the Soochana Bhawan here Saturday.
Ashok was conferred with the ‘Life Time Achievement Award- 2014’, while Birendra was honoured with the ‘Outstanding Performance in Sports and games for the year-2014’ award. Ashok was presented with a cash award of Rs 3,00,000, a scroll and a statuette. Similarly Birendra was presented with a cash award of Rs 2,00,000, a scroll and Statuette.
Ashok expressed his pleasure after receiving the prize. “The award is certainly a motivation. I have to wait for 40 long years to get this prestigious award. It will inspire me to take further strides in the sports organisation activities,” he stated.
Eminent football coach Nanda Kishore Patnaik was conferred with the ‘Excellence in Coaching Award- 2014.’ He was presented with a cash award of Rs 1,00,000, a scroll and a statuette.
Satish Sharma was given the ‘Award for Excellence in Sports Journalisim-2014’. He was presented with a cash award of Rs 50,000, a scroll of honour and a statuette.
Late Dhiren Sabar was honoured with Bravery award. His wife Sulochana Shabar received a cash award of Rs 1,00,000, a silver medal and a scroll of honour.
Institute of Social Service and Awareness (ISSARA) was honoured with the ‘State Award for Social Service’ as the best voluntary organisation. They received a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000, The individual award went to Samapti Rana. She received a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a scroll of honour. Rama Shankar Patra was honoured with the individual prize for social service. He received a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a scroll.
Athletes Srabani Nanda and Purnima Hembram were also awarded with a cash prize of Rs 3,00,000 each for their brilliant performances in the international arena this year.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was present as the chief guest and gave away the prizes. Speaking on the occasion Naveen congratulated the award winners. “To promote sports in our State, the state government is setting up mini stadiums in 112 blocks. The government is also planning to construct swimming pools in every district,” he informed.
Sports Minister Sudam Marndi said the award will motivate other sportspersons of the state to take their game seriously. Among others, Sports and Youth Services secretary Saswat Mishra was also present.
