Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Odisha celebrated National Sports Day today with grandeur, honoring exceptional athletes with the Biju Patnaik Sports and Courage Awards. Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, the chief guest, called upon the people of Odisha and India to build the state into a beacon of sports excellence on the global stage.

The ceremony, organized by the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department at Jayadev Bhavan, was attended by senior officials, dignitaries, and prominent sports personalities. The Governor highlighted the legacy of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, encouraging athletes to imbibe values of discipline, teamwork, courage, and humility. He urged young athletes to nurture their talent and strive for excellence, contributing to Odisha and India’s collective pride.

Eight athletes received the Biju Patnaik Sports Award, while two individuals were honored with the Biju Patnaik Courage Award for outstanding bravery and selfless service in promoting sports and community welfare. The Governor emphasized that these awards symbolize not just individual achievement but also inspire the youth to carry forward Odisha’s sporting spirit and serve as role models for future generations.

The event showcased Odisha’s rising stature in national and international sports, highlighting the state’s efforts to host major sporting events and create platforms for youth development. The Governor encouraged strengthening sports culture from grassroots levels, integrating physical activity, discipline, and professional training into a thriving ecosystem.

Prominent attendees included Surya Banshi, Minister for Sports & Youth Services, Babu Singh, Bhubaneswar MLA, and officials from the Sports & Youth Services Department. They highlighted the government’s initiatives to develop sports infrastructure, provide skill training, and nurture talent for national and international competitions.

Governor Kambhampati concluded that fostering sports not only develops physically strong citizens but also promotes collective harmony, resilience, and leadership qualities among the youth. He reiterated that Odisha’s commitment to sports excellence is guided by visionary leadership and aims to establish the state as a hub of athletic talent and sporting innovation.

List of Awardees (Biju Patnaik Sports Award-2024 ) :