The Odisha government felicitated several sports personalities and people connected with sports to mark the National Sports Day on Thursday. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi bestowed the Biju Patnaik Krida Puraskar and Biju Patnaik Sahasikata Puraskar upon nine individuals, including ace javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena. The award ceremony organized by the state government’s Sports and Youth Services Department was organized at the Convention Centre of Loka Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar.

The Chief Minister presided as the Chief Guest, at the function where the following were conferred with the Sports Awards 2024:

1. Lifetime Achievement In Promotion of Sports and Games: Lazarus Barla
2. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games: Kishore Kumar Jena
3. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Best Contribution to Promotion of Sports and Games: National Aluminum Company (NALCO)
4. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching (Male): Bijay Kumar Lakra
5. Biju Patnaik Sports Award of Best Para-Sportsperson of the Year: Mohammed Zafar Iqbal
6. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching (Female): Rupanwita Panda
7. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Best Upcoming Athlete (Junior) of The Year: Priteesmita Bhoi
8. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Sport s Journalism: Sukesh Ranjan Behera
9. Biju Patnaik Bravery Award: Rudra Prasad Malik

Each of the awardee was given cash award of Rs 2 lakh each along with the trophy and certificate. Kishore Jena received Rs 3 lakh while Lazarus Barla was presented a cash award of Rs 4 lakh along with the trophy and certificate.