Rising shuttler Swetaparna Panda to receive prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar for 2025

Rising badminton star Swetaparna Panda has been selected for the esteemed 33rd Ekalabya Puraskar for 2025 for her outstanding achievements in the sport.

Besides, weightlifter Pritismita Bhoi and lawn tennis player Aahaan will be honoured with citations for their outstanding performances on both national and international stages. 

The decision was reached unanimously by the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee, which comprises distinguished jury members from various sectors, during a meeting held on Saturday.

As part of the award, Swetaparna will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 7 lakhs, along with a trophy at the Ekalabya Puraskar award ceremony to be held at a later date.

Also Read: Swimmer Pratyasa Ray conferred with prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar 2024

Similarly, Pritismita and Aahaan 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 recognise 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.”

The proceedings were organised by Aswini Prasad Mohanty, Convenor of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee.

"I am feeling very grateful for the award. My elder sister had also bagged Ekalabya Puraskar few years ago, and I had accompanied her on that occasion. It's always a huge honour for us. I was definitely inspired when my sister, Rutuparna Panda, had bagged the award. I had never thought that I would receive this award. It's a great opportunity for me. My responsibilities will definitely increase when I am going to bag such a huge award. I will work hard to bring more laurels for my country, state and family," said an elated Swetaparna.

"My name is Aahaan and I am a lawn tennis player. I have been selected by IMFA for Ekalabya citation award. I will work harder next year so that I will get Ekalabya main award. Thanks to IMFA and Department of Sports and Youth Services," said Aahaan.

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 recognised as the most prestigious sports award of Odisha, drawing parallels with many national awards.

A mere look at the career graph of many of the past awardees confirms that over the years, it has been a moral booster for the best sporting talents in the State. The award is given every year to young sportspersons of Odisha in recognition of their outstanding performance in the preceding two years.