Odisha marked National Sports Day with fervour at Jayadev Bhawan, where the state government’s Sports and Youth Services Department hosted a grand ceremony honouring sporting excellence and bravery.
The event, graced by Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati as the chief guest, celebrated the legacy of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and recognised outstanding achievements through the prestigious Biju Patnaik Sports and Bravery Awards.
In his address, Governor Kambhampati urged the youth to draw inspiration from Major Dhyan Chand’s discipline, teamwork, courage, and humility to transform Odisha and India into a global beacon of sporting excellence. “It is our duty to nurture the inherent talent and potential of young athletes and guide them toward excellence,” he said, congratulating the awardees. He highlighted that their success is not just a personal triumph but a collective pride for Odisha and the nation, positioning them as torchbearers of the state’s sporting spirit and role models for future generations.
The ceremony saw the conferment of the Biju Patnaik Sports Award 2024 to eight distinguished individuals for their contributions to sports. Notable recipients included Sri Bijay Kumar Satpathy for Lifetime Achievement in Weightlifting, Sri Animesh Kujur for Outstanding Performance in Athletics, and Smt. Sushama Nanda for Excellence in Coaching Volleyball. The Biju Patnaik Bravery Award 2024 was bestowed upon Sri Jiban Kumar Behera and Sri Chittaranjan Pradhan for their extraordinary acts of courage, reflecting Odisha’s spirit of selflessness and valour.
Governor Kambhampati emphasised that sports are more than a display of strength or skill—they embody discipline, determination, and an indomitable spirit. He lauded Odisha’s emergence as a hub for sporting excellence, noting its successful hosting of national and international events that have earned global recognition. He credited the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the proactive efforts of the Odisha government in fostering a vibrant sports ecosystem through grassroots initiatives and training programs.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Higher Education, Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, and Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, who highlighted the state’s multifaceted efforts to promote sports and nurture talent. Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department, Sachin Ramchandra Yadav, delivered the welcome address, while Director Edula Vijay offered the vote of thanks.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to elevate Odisha’s sporting legacy, inspiring young athletes to achieve greater heights on the global stage.
