Bhubaneswar: Indian hockey defender from Odisha, Amit Rohidas, who earned his 100 caps at the Tokyo Olympics and was hailed a phenomenal first rusher, was conferred the Biju Patnaik Sports Award for outstanding performance in sports and games by Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Tusharkanti Behera. Amit received a citation and a cash award of Rs. 2 Lakhs.
Veteran Hockey coach of Odisha, Kalu Charan Choudhury who has produced many national and international players and continues to train young hockey athletes received the Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Lifetime Achievement in promotion of sports and games. He received a citation and cash award of Rs 3 lakhs
Biju Patnaik Sports Award for excellence in coaching went to Badminton Coach for para players, Shri Shiba Prasad Das He received cash award of Rs 1 Lakh and a citation.
Trailokyanath Parida, ASI Police, Cuttack received this year’s Biju Patnaik Bravery Award. He received a cash award of Rs 1 lakh each, a silver medal and citation.
Congratulating the winners, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in a video message said, “I extend my warm wishes to all of you on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, celebrated as the National Sports Day. This time we celebrate this day with all happiness, glory and splendour. The performance of the Indian Hockey Teams at the Olympics, is a true tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.”
“Hockey has a special place for sports in Odisha. I am happy that the lifetime achievement award has been given to Shri Kalu Charan Chaudhry, hockey coach and the outstanding performance award has been given to Shri. Amit Rohidas. Congratulations to both of you. It is a tribute to Odisha’s players and coaches, who have contributed to Hockey development in the state.”
“I would like to congratulate Shri. Shiba Prasad Das for the award for excellence in coaching. His contribution towards Pramod Bhagat is well known. We are confident that Pramod Bhagat will makes us all proud at the Tokyo Paralympics. I also congratulate Trailokyanath Parida for his act of bravery. He has set an example of selfless service.”
The Chief Minister further added, “Over the past few weeks, Odisha’s model of sports is hailed all over the country. The entire country loves Odisha for supporting the national hockey teams who have gone on to script history at the Tokyo Olympics. Our model of partnership and High Performance Centres has drawn national attention. It is an endorsement of our vision, investment and efforts in sports. This is an opportunity for each one us to work together with heightened commitment to take sports to greater heights. I am sure many more coaches and players will be inspired to bring glory to the state and country.”
Chairman, Odisha Hockey Promotion Council, Dillip Tirkey, Secretary, Executive Chairman, State Youth Welfare Board, Bijaya Nayak, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports and Youth services Department, Vineel Krishna. Sportspersons and officials of the Sports department were present at the annual Award ceremony.
Ms Kalinga