The Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha today felicitated 128 sportspersons with a total cash reward of Rs 21,32,500 for their outstanding performances at various national and international competitions and bringing glory to the state. The rewards were presented across three disciplines _ kickboxing, athletics and rugby.

Olympian Kishore Jena, ace sprinter Amiya Mallick, rugby player Barsha Rani
Pradhan were among the athletes felicitated at the Kalinga Stadium today. Director Sports Siddhartha Das presided over the ceremony as the chief guest and lauded their efforts for bringing laurels to the state.

Athletics received Rs 1,83,500, kickboxing Rs 10,22,000 and rugby Rs 9,27,000. Hockey Promotion Council of Odisha CEO, Deepankar Mohapatra, Additional Secretary B K Swain and other officials of the department were in attendance and wished the best to the athletes.