Smita Mishra 
In a move to encourage and motivate its sportspersons, the Odisha government has announced a lucrative cash reward scheme for athletes who won medals at the recently concluded 38th National Games in Uttarakhand. This gesture is a testament to the state’s commitment to promoting sports and nurturing talent.
The cash rewards are substantial, with gold medalists receiving ₹6 lakh, silver medalists getting ₹4 lakh, and bronze medalists taking home ₹3 lakh. This incentive is expected to boost the morale of Odisha’s athletes and inspire them to perform even better in future competitions.
Odisha’s athletes made the state proud at the 38th National Games, winning a total of 46 medals, including 14 gold, 15 silver, and 17 bronze. This impressive haul secured Odisha’s position among the top 15 states in the country, with the state finishing 12th in the overall rankings.
Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj congratulated the athletes on their achievement, stating that the government is committed to supporting and nurturing sporting talent in Odisha. The minister’s words were echoed by the impressive performance of Odisha’s athletes, who set new records in various categories, further cementing the state’s reputation as an emerging powerhouse in sports.
The Odisha government’s cash reward scheme is a welcome move, as it recognizes the hard work and dedication of the state’s athletes. This incentive will undoubtedly motivate more young people to take up sports, and with the government’s support, Odisha can expect to produce even more talented athletes in the future.
The 38th National Games saw a strong contingent of 302 athletes and 75 support staff representing Odisha. Among the standout performers were sprinter Animesh Kujur, who won three gold medals, gymnast Rakesh Patra, who won two golds, and cyclist Swasti Singh, who added to Odisha’s medal tally with one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.
Odisha’s success at the 38th National Games is a testament to the state’s growing reputation as a hub for sports talent. With the government’s support and the cash reward scheme in place, Odisha’s athletes can expect to achieve even greater heights in the world of sports.
As the state continues to nurture its sporting talent, it is clear that Odisha is on the path to becoming a powerhouse in Indian sports. With its rich sporting culture, world-class infrastructure, and committed government support, Odisha’s athletes are poised to make a lasting impact on the national and international sports scene.
In the words of Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, “We are committed to supporting our sportspersons and will continue to support and nurture the sporting talent to shine on national and global stages”. With this commitment and the cash reward scheme in place, Odisha’s sporting stars are sure to shine bright for years to come.
The Odisha government’s cash reward scheme is a significant step towards promoting sports in the state and recognizing the achievements of its athletes. As the state continues to invest in sports infrastructure and talent development, it is clear that Odisha is committed to becoming a leader in Indian sports.
With its rich sporting culture, committed government support, and talented athletes, Odisha is poised to make a lasting impact on the national and international sports scene. The cash reward scheme is a welcome move, and it will undoubtedly motivate more young people to take up sports and strive for excellence.
As Odisha’s athletes continue to shine on the national and international stage, it is clear that the state’s commitment to sports is paying off. With the government’s support and the cash reward scheme in place, Odisha’s sporting stars are sure to continue making the state proud for years to come.
The future of sports in Odisha looks bright, and with the government’s continued support, the state can expect to produce even more talented athletes in the years to come. As the state continues to nurture its sporting talent, it is clear that Odisha is on the path to becoming a powerhouse in Indian sports.
The Odisha government’s cash reward scheme is a significant step towards promoting sports in the state and recognizing the achievements of its athletes. With its rich sporting culture, committed government support, and talented athletes, Odisha is poised to make a lasting impact on the national and international sports scene.
