Bhubaneswar: Odia Weightlifter Jhili Dalabehera, who has brought laurels for Odisha and the country in several national and international events, will receive the prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar for the year 2019. The annual award is instituted by IMPaCT, the charitable wing of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys (IMFA).
The Ekalabya Committee comprising jury members unanimously picked the weightlifter for the prestigious award at a meeting held here on Sunday. The award carries cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a citation, official sources said.
Apart from Dalabehera, two other sportsperson- hockey player Namita Toppo and Footballer Jabamani Tudu will also receive citation awards for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields.