Pratyasa Ray, a rising star in Indian swimming, has been selected for the prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024. The award recognizes her exceptional performance at the Khelo India University Games in Guwahati earlier this year, where she secured an impressive haul of six medals, including four gold, one silver, and one bronze.
The Ekalabya Puraskar committee, comprising jury members from various sectors, unanimously selected Ray for the award at a meeting in Bhubaneswar. She will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh, an increase from the previous Rs 5 lakh, along with a citation at a ceremony to be held at a later date.
Ray’s selection is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. She has consistently performed at a high level, representing Odisha and India in various national and international competitions. Her achievements have not only brought glory to her state but have also inspired aspiring swimmers across the country.
In addition to Ray, sprinter Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram and badminton player Tanvi Patri will also be felicitated for their remarkable performances in various international and national-level events. Each of the citation winners will receive a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh, up from Rs 1 lakh, along with citations at the award ceremony.
The Ekalabya Puraskar was instituted by the charitable body IMPaCT in 1993 and is managed by IMFA, the leading ferro alloys producer in the country. It is now considered the most prestigious sports award in Odisha. The award is given every year to young sportspersons of Odisha in recognition of their outstanding performance in the preceding two years.
Announcing the names of the award winners, Baijayant Panda, chairperson of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and Trustee of IMPaCT, said, “The award was instituted to encourage young sportspersons of the state to perform at the national and international arenas.”
The Ekalabya Puraskar has played a significant role in promoting sports in Odisha and has helped to identify and nurture young talent. The award winners have gone on to represent India at the highest level and have brought laurels to the country.
