Bhubaneswar, Nov 17: Odisha’s ace shuttler Swetaparna Panda received the 33rd Ekalabya Puraskar for 2025 here in a function on Sunday.

Swetaparna Panda, a rising star in badminton, has emerged as this year’s standout recipient. As part of the award, Panda was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 7 lakhs, along with a citation at the Ekalabya Puraskar award ceremony.

In addition, weightlifter Pritismita Bhoi and Tennis player Aahaan were honored with citations for their outstanding performances on both national and international stages. Each of the citation winners received a cash prize of Rs. 1.5 lakhs, along with citations at the award ceremony.

Ekalabya Puraskar, instituted by IMPaCT in 1993 and managed by IMFA, the leading ferro alloys producer in the country, has come a long way in encouraging young sportspersons of the State to perform at national and international arenas.

Pitambar Acharya, Advocate General of Odisha gave away the prizes as the chief guest of the evening. Among others, Prakash Mishra, advisor to the Chief Minister and Baijayant Panda, Chairman Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and Trustee of IMPaCT, along with the jury members.

Aswini Prasad Mohanty, Convenor of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee, managed the award ceremony. The function ended with a vote of thanks by Paramita Panda, Trustee of IMPaCT.