Recognising outstanding athletic excellence, emerging Indian hockey star Sunelita Toppo has been selected for the prestigious 34th Ekalabya Puraskar for 2026.
The decision was unanimously finalised by the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee, comprising eminent jury members across various domains, during a jury meeting in Bhubaneswar.
Sunelita earned the coveted honour following her exceptional performances and contributions to international and national hockey. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh alongside a trophy, which will be formally presented at an upcoming award ceremony.
In addition to the main award, hockey player Amandeep Lakra and badminton player Tanvi Patri were selected for citation awards, each receiving Rs 1.5 lakh and a citation for their notable sporting feats.
Instituted in 1993 by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), the charitable wing of IMFA, the Ekalabya Puraskar stands as Odisha’s premier youth sporting honour. It annually recognises outstanding young athletes from the state based on their achievements over the preceding two years.
Announcing the awardees, Committee Chairperson and IMPaCT Trustee Baijayant Panda emphasised that Odisha possesses immense sporting potential, reaffirming the award’s three-decade commitment to celebrating exceptional talent and inspiring aspiring sportspersons to bring national and international glory to the state.
