Pratyasa Ray Honored with Ekalabya Puraskar 2024

Pratyasa Ray, an emerging swimming talent, has been honored with the prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024 for her exemplary performance at the Khelo India University Games. She will receive a cash prize along with a citation. The award, instituted by IMPaCT and managed by IMFA, recognizes outstanding sports achievements in Odisha.

Pratyasa Ray, a rising star in the swimming world, has been selected for the prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024, according to an official announcement.

Ray showcased remarkable talent by securing six medals—four gold, one silver, and a bronze—at the Khelo India University Games held in Guwahati this February.

The Ekalabya Puraskar committee, comprising jury members from various sectors, unanimously chose Ray for this esteemed award during a recent meeting.

As part of the honor, Ray will receive a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh, increased from the previous Rs 5 lakh, along with a citation, at a ceremony scheduled for a later date.

Other sportspersons, including sprinter Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram and badminton player Tanvi Patri, will also be recognized for their impressive performances at various international and national events with an award of Rs 1.5 lakh each, up from the previous Rs 1 lakh, along with citations.

Instituted by the charitable organization IMPaCT in 1993 and managed by IMFA, the leading ferro alloys producer in India, the Ekalabya Puraskar is now considered Odisha's most prestigious sports award.

The award annually honors young sportspersons of Odisha for their exceptional performances over the preceding two years.

Announcing the winners on Sunday, Baijayant Panda, chairperson of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and Trustee of IMPaCT, stated that the award aims to encourage young athletes in the state to excel at national and international levels.

(With inputs from agencies.)