Odisha boasts a vibrant sporting culture and has produced many exceptional athletes who have proudly represented India at the Olympics.
These athletes have not only brought pride to Odisha but have also inspired countless young talents in the state to chase their dreams and excel in sports.
Here are some prominent Odia players who have made significant contributions on the global stage.
Dilip Tirkey (Hockey) - A legendary hockey player from Sundargarh, Odisha, Tirkey was part of the Indian team for three Olympics. He made his Olympic debut at the 1996 Atlanta Games, where India finished eighth.
Dilip also represented India at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2004 Athens Olympics, marking his third Olympic appearance.
Ignace Tirkey (Hockey) - Another talented hockey player from Odisha, Ignace represented India at the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Lazarus Barla (Hockey) - A skilled forward from Sundergarh, Barla was part of the Indian hockey team at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Olympics.
Prabodh Tirkey (Hockey) - A defender from Sundargarh, Prabodh represented India at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Olympics.
Birendra Lakra (Hockey) - A talented defender from Sundargarh, Lakra was part of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Amit Rohidas (Hockey) - A midfielder from Sundergarh, Rohidas represented India at the 2020 Tokyo & 2024 Paris Olympics wining two back to back bronze medal.
Deep Grace Ekka (Hockey) - A defender from Sundargarh, Ekka was part of the Indian women's hockey team at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics.
Namita Toppo (Hockey) - A midfielder from Sundergarh, Toppo represented India at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Sunita Lakra (Hockey) - Sunita has been a vital part of the Indian women's hockey team. With over 150 international caps, she has represented India in numerous tournaments, including the Olympics, World Cup, and Asian Games.
Lilima Minz (Hockey) - A midfielder with exceptional speed and skill, Lilima has represented India in various international tournaments, including the Olympics, World Cup, and Asian Games.
Anuradha Biswal(Athletics): The first sportspersons to represent Odisha in individual discipline – athletics at 2000 Sydney Games. However, her Olympic debut turned out to be a sad experience as she did not get a chance to compete.
Dutee Chand (Athletics) - A sprinter from Chaka Gopalpur, Dutee became the first Odia athlete to participate in the 100m and 200m events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She had also participated in 2016 Rio Olympics in 100m.
Srabani Nanda (Athletics) - A sprinter from Sundergarh, Srabani represented India in the 200m event at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Kishore Jena (Javelin) - Kishore Jena made his Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games alongside India’s star Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. However, he fell short to make it to the finals of the competition as he finished ninth in his group with an underwhelming throw of 80.73m.