Odisha’s Emerging Talent in Swimming Receives Prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar
Pratyasa Ray, a promising swimmer from Odisha, has been selected for the prestigious 32nd Ekalabya Puraskar 2024 for her outstanding achievements in the sport. This recognition is a proud moment for the state of Odisha and highlights the success of its athletes on the national and international stage.
Pratyasa Ray’s Remarkable Achievements
Pratyasa Ray, born in the Bargarh district of Odisha, has consistently proven her talent in swimming. She emerged as the joint-best swimmer in the women’s open category, winning six gold medals in the 64th Odisha State Swimming Championship 2024. Previously, she bagged six gold medals in the 63rd Odisha State Swimming Championship in 2023. Her notable performances include winning two silver medals at the Thailand Age Group Swimming Championships 2023 and securing medals at the Khelo India University Games 2024.
Ekalabya Puraskar: Background and Importance
The Ekalabya Puraskar was instituted by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) in 1993. Managed by IMFA, India’s leading ferroalloys producer, it is now regarded as Odisha’s most prestigious sports award. The award recognizes outstanding sportspersons from Odisha for their performances over the last two years. Pratyasa Ray will receive a cash prize of ₹7 lakh, an increase from the previous ₹5 lakh, along with a citation.
Recognition of Other Sports Personalities
Alongside Pratyasa Ray, sprinter Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram and badminton player Tanvi Patri will also be felicitated for their impressive performances at national and international levels. Each will receive a cash prize of ₹1.5 lakh with a citation, up from ₹1 lakh in previous years.
| Award | Winner | Prize Money | Achievements |
| Ekalabya Puraskar 2024 | Pratyasa Ray | ₹7 lakh | 6 Golds at Odisha State Championships 2024 |
| Ekalabya Puraskar 2023 | Pratyasa Ray | ₹7 lakh | 6 Golds at Odisha State Championships 2023 |
| Ekalabya Puraskar 2023 | Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram | ₹1.5 lakh | National/International Track Events |
| Ekalabya Puraskar 2023 | Tanvi Patri | ₹1.5 lakh | National/International Badminton Events |
National Impact
Pratyasa Ray’s recognition will serve as a motivator for young athletes across India, especially those from rural areas like Odisha. Her achievements on international platforms like the Thailand Age Group Championships have already gained global attention, setting a benchmark for Indian swimmers aspiring to compete at the world level. Such awards also contribute to promoting sports culture within India, encouraging more investments in training and infrastructure development.
Aims Behind the Ekalabya Puraskar
The key aim of the Ekalabya Puraskar is to nurture young talent from Odisha, providing them with recognition and motivation to excel at national and international arenas. It encourages athletes like Pratyasa Ray to maintain high-performance standards and helps them become role models for future generations.
Key Summary of Events
- Pratyasa Ray was selected for the 32nd Ekalabya Puraskar 2024.
- She won six gold medals in the 64th Odisha State Swimming Championship 2024.
- She secured multiple medals at national and international events, including the Khelo India University Games 2024 and the Thailand Age Group Championships.
- IMPaCT, the charitable body behind the award, aims to promote excellence in sports within Odisha.
- The award will be accompanied by a ₹7 lakh cash prize and citation.
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It is Odisha’s most prestigious sports award, instituted to recognize young athletes’ outstanding achievements over two years.
Pratyasa Ray, an emerging swimmer from Odisha, was selected for this year’s award.
She won six gold medals in the 64th Odisha State Swimming Championship 2024 and secured medals in international competitions like the Thailand Age Group Championships.
The prize is ₹7 lakh, along with a citation.
It motivates young athletes to excel at national and international levels, helping raise the profile of Indian sports globally.