Swetaparna Panda shines bright as winner of 33rd Ekalabya Puraskar

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 11, 2025

Odisha’s sports fraternity celebrated another proud moment as badminton prodigy Swetaparna Panda was named the winner of the 33rd Ekalabya Puraskar for 2025. The prestigious award, instituted by IMPaCT and managed by IMFA, honours outstanding sporting talent from the state and has become one of Odisha’s most coveted recognitions in sports.

The Ekalabya Puraskar Committee, chaired by Baijayant Panda, unanimously selected Swetaparna for her consistent excellence and promising achievements in badminton at national and international levels. As part of the award, she will receive a cash prize of Rs. 7 lakh and a trophy at the upcoming award ceremony.

Adding to the celebration, weightlifter Pritismita Bhoi and tennis player Aahaan have been chosen for Ekalabya Citations for their exceptional performances on national and global platforms. Each citation recipient will receive Rs. 1.5 lakh and a citation during the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Baijayant Panda, Chairperson of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and Trustee of IMPaCT, said, “IMPaCT has been steadfast in recognizing and inspiring excellence in sports while contributing to the welfare of society. The Ekalabya Puraskar continues to encourage young athletes of Odisha to perform at the highest levels.”

Since its inception in 1993, the Ekalabya Puraskar has played a pivotal role in nurturing young sporting talent in Odisha, serving as a powerful motivator for many who have gone on to achieve national and international acclaim. The proceedings of the selection meeting were coordinated by Aswini Prasad Mohanty, Convenor of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee.