Tusharkanti Behera, Odisha Sports Minister, honored 27 state athletes who excelled at various championships on Saturday at an award ceremony held at the Kalinga Stadium.
Amit Kumar Bhuyan, who won the Gold Medal at the 55th Asian Body Building and Physique Sports Championship in 2023, was honored by Sports Minister.
“Minister felicitated him with a cash prize of Rs 3.75 lakhs. Additionally, Jagannath Khuntia, another talented athlete from Odisha, secured the Bronze Medal at the championship. In recognition of his achievement, Jagannath Khuntia was presented with a cash prize of Rs 1.25 lakhs,” an official statement said.
He also congratulated three Special Olympics Bharat-National Championship, 2023 athletes. Cyclist Sidhartha Mohanty received a monetary reward of Rs 10,000 for finishing third in both the 5 km time event and the 10 km road race.
“Similarly, Cyclist Debashish was presented Rs 10,000 for securing the third position in the 5 km time event. He was also presented Rs 30,000 for securing gold in the 2 km time event. Roller skater, Dadhichi who bagged second position in the 1000m and 500 m races was presented Rs 20,000 each for his achievement,” an official statement said.