Lazarus Barla Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at Biju Patnaik Sports Ceremony

Former India hockey player Lazarus Barla received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the Biju Patnaik Sports Award presentation ceremony. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented Barla with a trophy, cash award, and citation. Various other athletes and coaches were also recognized for their contributions to sports.

In a glittering ceremony, former Indian hockey player Lazarus Barla was honored with the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the Biju Patnaik Sports Award presentation ceremony. The event took place on National Sports Day and saw Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presenting Barla with a trophy, a cash reward of Rs 4 lakh, and a citation.

Barla, visibly moved, underscored the significance of receiving the award on Major Dhyanchand's birth anniversary. 'It is a happy moment. Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award on National Sports Day is a huge deal,' he told ANI. The Chief Minister urged senior players to contribute toward elevating the standard of sports in the state and helping more local talents represent India internationally.

The ceremony also celebrated other notable achievements. Paris Olympian Kishore Jena, recognized for his outstanding sports performance, received the Biju Patnaik Sports Award, which included a trophy, a cash award of Rs 3 lakh, and a citation. Though Jena didn't advance to the medal round at the Paris Olympics, his ninth-place finish in the javelin throw qualification was lauded.

Coach Bijay Kumar Lakra, para-sportsperson Jafar Iqbal, young athlete Priteesmita Bhoi, and technical official Rupanwita Panda were also conferred with various Biju Patnaik Sports Awards for their exceptional contributions to sports, each receiving trophies, cash awards, and citations.

(With inputs from agencies.)