Amandeep Lakra and Tanvi Patri selected for Citation Awards

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 1, 2026

Recognising her outstanding achievements and contribution to sports, Odisha hockey player Sunelita Toppo has been selected for the prestigious 34th Ekalabya Puraskar 2026. The decision was taken unanimously by the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee at a meeting held in Bhubaneswar. The selection committee comprised distinguished jury members from various fields.

An emerging talent in Indian hockey, Sunelita has earned the honour in recognition of her impressive performances and achievements in the sport. The award carries a cash prize of ₹7 lakh, along with a trophy, and will be presented at a formal award ceremony to be held on a later date.

Hockey player Amandeep Lakra and badminton player Tanvi Patri have also been selected for the Citation Awards in recognition of their outstanding performances at the national and international levels. Each citation recipient will receive a cash award of ₹1.5 lakh, along with a citation, at the award ceremony.

Instituted in 1993 by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) and managed by Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA), the Ekalabya Puraskar is recognised as one of Odisha's most prestigious sporting honours. Over the past three decades, the award has played a significant role in identifying, recognising and encouraging promising sporting talent from the State. Several past award recipients have subsequently gone on to achieve distinction at national and international levels.

Conferred annually, the award recognises young sportspersons from Odisha for their outstanding performances and achievements over the preceding two years.

Announcing the awardees, Baijayant Panda, Chairperson of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and Trustee of IMPaCT, said: “Odisha has immense sporting potential, and it is important that young athletes receive the recognition and encouragement they deserve. For over three decades, the Ekalabya Puraskar has celebrated exceptional talent and inspired aspiring sportspersons to aim higher. Through this initiative, we remain committed to acknowledging their achievements and encouraging the next generation to bring greater sporting glory to the State.”

The selection committee meeting was coordinated by Aswini Prasad Mohanty, Convenor of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee.