BHUBANESWAR: Ace sprinter Dutee Chand received the ‘Eklabya Puraskar’ for 2015 at a glittering function here on Wednesday evening. The award, instituted by Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPACT), the charity wing of IMFA Group, carries cash of `5 lakh and a trophy.
Two other promising sportspersons Saina Salonika for Chess and Pramila Krisani for weightlifting were also felicitated with a cash award of `50,000 and a citation each.
Addressing the gathering, Lok Sabha Member and trustee, IMPACT Baijayant Panda said the Eklabya award, instituted in 1993, aims at identifying and honouring young Odia talents in the field of sports.
“Three women have made it to the top in this edition of Eklabya awards. This is a testimony to the fact that Odia girls are talented and have the potential to perform and excel at top levels,” Panda, a jury member for selection of the award, said.
Sports Minister Sudam Marandi, who was chief guest on the occasion, said tribal Odisha has immense potential in the field of sports. “The performers need the right platform, training and encouragement from Government and society to take up sports as a career,” Marandi added.
Speaking on the occasion, Women and Child Development Department Secretary Vishal Dev hailed the parents and family of the awardees for having believed in the potential of their children and supporting them.