Lilima takes top honours

Bhubaneswar: Senior India hockey player Lilima Minz was conferred the prestigious Ekalabya Award-2018, presented by IMPaCT here Sunday.

Lilima was presented a cash award of Rs 5,00,000, a citation and a plaque in recognition of her outstanding achievement at the national and international levels.

Former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar joined as the chief guest and gave away the prizes. Badminton player Rutuparna Panda and weightlifter Jhilli Dalbehera were presented with cash awards of Rs 50,000 each and citations. Jhilli was absent and her coach P Dharma Rao received the prizes on behalf of her.

Speaking on the occasion Lilima said, “I have reached this level on the basis of my heard work and passion. I am honoured to get the prestigious award. It will inspire me to work harder in future.”

Vengsarkar reminisced about his memory in Odisha. “I have always a fond memory in this state. I had made my highest Test score (166) against Sri Lanka at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack,” he stated.

“There is no substitute to hard work. Players should always be ready and grab their chances with both the hands when the opportunity comes,” he advised to the promising sportspersons.