Special Olympics medalists from Odisha are honored by the sports minister with cash awards during a performance

The state of Odisha should be proud of seven competitors that competed admirably in the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023. Tusharkanti Behera, the minister for sports and youth services, honored the athletes with financial prizes in recognition of their outstanding performance.

Aridita Chakraborty, who won a silver medal in the 400 meters and a bronze medal in the shot put competition, was awarded Rs. 4,000 in accordance with Odisha’s commitment to honoring and rewarding athletes for outstanding accomplishments. For winning silver in the shot put and cycling, respectively, Baishnab Rajpali and Kalpana Jena each won Rs. 3,000,000. The united volleyball team that won silver was made up of Jyothi Ranjan Ojha, Shibani Priyadarshini, and Mamali Nag, and they each received Rs. 50,000. Sachin Barik, who made a strong impression on the futsal squad, received Rs. 25,000 in appreciation for his involvement.

Tusharkanti Behera, Minister for Sports and Youth Services, congratulated the athletes for their motivational performance and urged them to keep moving forward. He stated, “Congratulations to the excellent athletes from Odisha. Their outstanding performances in the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023 have given our state great pride. They are a source of motivation and proof of how powerfully changing sports can be. The state of Odisha is here to assist and equip them with whatever they need as they strive for even higher heights.

These athletes’ medals serve as a reminder of their unflinching resolve, endurance, and unbreakable spirit. Aridita Chakraborty expressed her pride in her accomplishments by saying, “I feel tremendously pleased to represent both India and Odisha. Having our efforts and devotion rewarded is a unique experience. Inspiring others and keeping my state and nation proud are my goals.

In the presence of representatives from Special Olympics Bharat, Odisha Wing, OSD, Sports & Youth Services Department, Sidhartha Sankar Sahu greeted the athletes warmly upon their arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport on Wednesday evening.