Bhubaneswar: Hockey player Sunelita Toppo has been selected for the 34th Ekalabya Puraskar 2026 in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the sport. The decision was taken unanimously by the award selection committee at a meeting in Bhubaneswar.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh and a trophy. Hockey player Amandeep Lakra and badminton player Tanvi Patri have been selected for citation awards, carrying Rs 1.5 lakh each, for their impressive performances at national and international levels.
Instituted in 1993 by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), the Ekalabya Puraskar is among Odisha’s most prestigious sporting honours. It recognises young sportspersons from the state for their achievements over the preceding two years.
Announcing the awardees, Baijayant Panda, chairperson of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and trustee of IMPaCT, on Sunday said the award had been encouraging young sporting talent for over three decades.
“Odisha has immense sporting potential, and it is important that young athletes receive the recognition and encouragement they deserve,” he said, adding that the initiative would continue to inspire the next generation of sportspersons.
The awards will be presented at a ceremony to be held later. Aswini Prasad Mohanty, convenor of the committee, coordinated the selection process.
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