Twenty-five-time World billiards and snooker champion Pankaj Advani graced the function as chief guest and handed over the award. Former Odisha woman sprinter and Asian Games medallist Pranati Mishra was the guest of honour. Ekalabya Purskar Committee Trustee and Chairman Baijayant Panda was also present at the award ceremony along with the jury members.

Instituted in the year 1993 by Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), a charitable wing of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Limited (IMFA), is being given every year to young sportspersons of Odisha in recognition of their achievements in the preceding two years.
Speaking at the ceremony, Swasti said, “Ekalabya Puraskar will motivate me to excel more in life and the cash prize will support me in my training and equipment.” Xaxa said, “The honour will give me a much-needed push in my career as a footballer.”

Addressing the gathering, Pankaj Advani said, “IMPaCT has created commendable impact in Odisha sports by conferring Ekalabya Puraskar every year.” He was of the opinion that Fairness, Integrity and Respect (FIR) sould be the guiding principles for sports in India.
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TOP: Cycling ace Swasti Singh receives the 30th Ekalabya Puraskar from cusports legend Pankaj Advani in Bhubaneswar on 23 December 2022. Also seen in the frame are: IMPaCT Chairman Baijayant Panda and former woman international sprinter Pranati Mishra.
RIGHT: Woman star Pyari Xaxa receives the citation at the Ekalabya Puraskar function in Bhubaneswar on 23 December 2022.