Paperman Media | Bhubaneswar
The State-level National Sports Day was celebrated at the Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhawan with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi as the chief guest. On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented the prestigious Biju Patnaik Sports and Adventure Awards for 2025 to outstanding sportspersons, coaches and individuals for their contribution to sports and adventure.
Paying tribute to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary, the Chief Minister called upon the youth to draw inspiration from his dedication and spirit of service. Referring to this year’s theme, “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat,” he announced the vision of “Khelega Odisha, Jeetega Odisha”, aimed at making Odisha a global sports capital.
Describing the transformation as “Playground to Podium,” Majhi said Odisha is emerging as a major sporting hub in India. He highlighted the construction of modern stadiums across all 314 blocks at an estimated cost of ₹4,124 crore, besides a world-class sports complex at Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar and regional sports hubs, including the Baji Raut Regional Sports Hub in Dhenkanal.
He also highlighted initiatives such as the CM Trophy to identify rural sporting talent and distribution of sports equipment in 485 villages across 10 Maoist-affected districts. He said Odisha has earned the distinction of hosting the 2028 Asian and World Athletics Indoor Championships.
Among the awardees, Soumyaranjan Behera received the Biju Patnaik Adventure Award, while late Neelamadhab Panda and Sunil Kumar Ray were honoured posthumously. Pranati Mishra received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Other awards recognised excellence in sports journalism, sports performance, coaching, para-sports, emerging talent and technical officiating.
Sambalpur’s Samaleswari Sporting Club was honoured as the Best Sports Promotion Organisation, with Sambalpur MLA and club president Jayanarayan Mishra receiving the award.
Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia and other senior officials attended the programme.
