Odisha Felicitates National Games Medalists with Cash Awards

Bhubaneswar: The Sports and Youth Services Department of the Odisha government felicitated medalists from the state for their achievements at the 38th National Games at a special ceremony held at the Kalinga Stadium Tennis Centre on Saturday.

As part of the state’s commitment to sports development, cash awards and certificates were presented to the athletes in recognition of their outstanding performances. Gold medalists were honored with Rs.6 lakh, silver medalists received Rs.4 lakh, and bronze medalists were awarded Rs.3 lakh.

Odisha’s Sports Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, lauded the athletes for their dedication and success, highlighting that their achievements would serve as inspiration for aspiring athletes across the state. “The essence of sports lies in celebrating victories and using defeats as motivation to achieve greater success. Odisha’s strong performance at the National Games is a testament to the state’s growing sporting culture,” he said.

Odisha secured the 12th position among the top 15 states at the 38th National Games, marking a commendable achievement in the national sporting arena.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sports, Suraj announced plans to construct block-level stadiums to strengthen grassroots-level sports infrastructure. “The government will continue to provide all necessary support for the development of sports in Odisha,” he added.

The medal-winning athletes expressed their gratitude for the government’s support, stating that the recognition and rewards would further motivate them to excel in future competitions. The felicitation ceremony underscored Odisha’s growing prominence in the sports sector and its dedication to nurturing young talent.