PNN
Bhubaneswar, August 29: Sports and Youth Services Affairs Department of the state conferred the prestigious Biju Patnaik Sports Award and felicitated six Olympians on the occasion of the National Sports Day at Soochna Bhawan here Monday.
International athlete Purnima Hembram got the outstanding player of the year award. Purnima bagged a cash award of `2,00,000 along with certificate and a plaque. “I am very happy for getting the award. It will motivate me further to perform well in future,” an elated Purnima stated.
Orisssa Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Asirbad Behera was awarded as the best sports organiser. He was presented with `50,000 and a trophy. Women football coach Chitrasen Patra and weightlifting coach P Dharma Rao shared the excellent coach award. They were presented with cash award of `1,00,000 and a trophy each. Tanmay Das received the best sports journalist award for 2015.
Six Olympians of the state-sprinters Dutee Chand, Srabani Nanda and four hockey players- Deep Grace Ekka, Lilima Minz, Sunita Lakra and Namita Toppo were also felicitated on the occasion. They were presented with a cash prize of `5,00,000 each.
Dutee and Srabani’s coach Nagpuri Ramesh got `1,00,000 cash award. Dutee received the award as Ramesh was absent. Emerging swimming star Pratyasha Roy was also felicitated for her stupendous show in various national level competitions in 2015. She received a cash incentive of `1,70,000.
Joining as the chief guest Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik gave away the prizes. “The state government is trying it’s best for the development of sports in the state,” Patnaik stated.
Among others sports and youth services minister Sudam Marndi, minister of textiles, handloom and handicrafts Snehangini Chhuria and sports and youth services secretary Saswat Mishra were also present.