Interviewtimes 
In a grand and heartwarming ceremony, Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik honoured the exceptional talent of Javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena with a cash award of ₹1.5 crore for his incredible performance at the Asian Games 2023 held in Hangzhou, China. The ceremony was marked by a profound display of state pride and recognition for Jena, who clinched the silver medal and secured his spot in the Paris Olympics 2024.
Kishore Kumar Jena, hailing from the picturesque town of Puri in Odisha, catapulted himself to national and international acclaim with a personal best throw of 87.54 meters, securing the coveted silver medal. This monumental achievement not only brings honour to his home state but also marks a historic moment in his athletic journey.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his admiration and pride in the young athlete’s accomplishment, acknowledging Jena as a true source of pride for the people of Odisha. He went on to emphasise the importance of nurturing and supporting sports talent, reiterating his commitment to providing unwavering support to Jena’s future endeavours.
Notably, Kishore Kumar Jena’s journey to this momentous triumph was preceded by a remarkable 5th-place finish at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. In recognition of his dedication and stellar performance on the world stage, Chief Minister Patnaik awarded him with ₹50 lakh. Jena’s consistent pursuit of excellence and consistent improvement in his personal best has set the stage for high hopes at the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024.
During the felicitation ceremony, Secretary (5T) V K Pandian was also present and congratulated Kishore for his exemplary journey in athletics. He expressed his best wishes for Jena’s future sporting events, reinforcing the state’s commitment to nurturing and promoting young sports talents.
Kishore Kumar Jena, visibly humbled by the recognition, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Odisha Government for their unwavering support and encouragement. He recognized the pivotal role such support plays in keeping athletes focused and motivated to excel in their respective sports.
With the Tokyo Olympics and Asian Games already in his rearview mirror, Kishore Kumar Jena is now steadfastly gearing up for the Paris Olympics in 2024. As he strives for new records and further glories, the people of Odisha, his home state, stand behind him with unwavering support, making his journey to sporting excellence all the more remarkable.
The rise of this Javelin star is not only a testament to his dedication and skill but also to the nurturing environment and encouragement provided by the Odisha Government, making Kishore Kumar Jena a shining example in the world of athletics. His journey continues to inspire young athletes across the nation, and all eyes will be on him as he aims for the gold on the global stage in Paris 2024.
