Bhubaneswar: The Ekalabya Puraskar Committee on Saturday announced that Odisha’s ace shuttler Swetaparna Panda will receive the 33rd Ekalabya Puraskar for 2025. The decision was reached unanimously by the committee, which comprises distinguished jury members from various sectors, during a meeting held today.
Swetaparna Panda, a rising star in badminton, has emerged as this year’s standout recipient. As part of the award, Panda will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 7 lakhs, along with a citation at the Ekalabya Puraskar award ceremony to be held at a later date.
In addition, weightlifter Pritismita Bhoi and Tennis player Aahaan will be honored with citations for their outstanding performances on both national and international stages. Each of the citation winners will receive a cash prize of Rs. 1.5 lakhs, along with citations at the award ceremony.
Announcing the names of the award winners, Baijayant Panda, Chairperson of Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and Trustee of IMPaCT said, “IMPaCT has been in continuous pursuit to recognize and inspire excellence in sports, besides contributing to the general welfare of the society at large. Ekalabya Puraskar is instituted to encourage young sportspersons of the State to perform at the national and international arenas.”
Ekalabya Puraskar, instituted by IMPaCT, in the year 1993 and managed by IMFA, the leading Ferro Alloys producer in the country, has come a long way to be recognized as the most prestigious sports award of Odisha, drawing parallels with many national awards. The proceedings were organized by Aswini Prasad Mohanty, Convenor of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee.
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