Bhubaneswar, August 29: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday presented the prestigious Biju Patnaik Sports Award to cyclist Swasti Singh for her exceptional performance in the field of sports, on the occasion of National Sports Day.
Swasti Singh was honoured for her extraordinary achievements and dedication to cycling, which brought laurels to the State. She was bestowed with the Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games.
The Chief Minister presented her with a cash award of Rs 2 lakh as a token of appreciation and encouragement for her continued pursuit of excellence in sports.
Hockey Coach Peter Tirkey and Football Coach Rajendra Prasad Singh were conferred with the lifetime achievement award for their unwavering dedication and guidance in shaping the future of young sportspersons. Each coach was presented with a cash award of Rs 3 lakh in recognition of their outstanding careers.
Coach Pradeep Kumar Sarangi and Sports Journalist Ajay Kumar Das were felicitated with the Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching and Biju Patnaik Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism, respectively. Each awardee received a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena, DGP Sunil Bansal, Development Commissioner Anu Garg were present.
National Sports Day is celebrated on August 29 annually on the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
