Suparjya Swain 
BHUBANESWAR: Pratyasa Ray, a rising star in Indian swimming, has been selected for the prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024, officials announced. Ray’s remarkable performance at the Khelo India University Games in Guwahati earlier this year, where she secured six medals—four gold, one silver, and a bronze—earned her unanimous selection by the award committee.
The Ekalabya Puraskar, considered Odisha’s most prestigious sports honor, comes with a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh, up from the previous Rs 5 lakh, along with a citation. Ray will be formally awarded at a ceremony to be held later this year.
In addition to Ray, sprinter Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram and badminton player Tanvi Patri will also be honored for their impressive achievements in national and international competitions. Both athletes will receive Rs 1.5 lakh each, an increase from Rs 1 lakh, along with citations.
The Ekalabya Puraskar was instituted in 1993 by the charitable body IMPaCT, which is managed by IMFA, the country’s leading ferro alloys producer. The award is presented annually to outstanding young sportspersons from Odisha in recognition of their accomplishments over the previous two years.
Announcing the award recipients, Baijayant Panda, Chairperson of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and Trustee of IMPaCT, emphasized the importance of encouraging young athletes to excel on the national and international stages. Ray’s selection reflects her growing prominence in the world of competitive swimming.
The Ekalabya Puraskar continues to inspire and motivate the next generation of athletes from Odisha, recognizing and rewarding their dedication and talent.
