Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government felicitated Tuesday medal-winners at the Khelo India Youth Games 2022 at the Biju Patnaik Weightlifting Hall inside the Kalinga Stadium. Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Chairman Hockey Promotion Council of Odisha, Dilip Tirkey and Joint Secretary Sailendra Jena were present on the occasion. A total of Rs 1,85,22,500 were handed over to the medal-winners who made Odisha proud.
Odisha sportspersons had a fantastic run at the KIYG 2022 winning 30 medals, including 11 gold, eight silver, and 11 bronze. Gold medal winners got Rs 1,00,000 each, silver medallists were handed Rs 75,000 while bronze medal winners got Rs 50,000.
Among the KIYG athletes facilitated were, Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram who won gold in 100m; Sabita Toppo (gold in long jump and 100m hurdles), Swagat Kumar Behera (silver in triple jump,) and Merymukta Soreng. The 400m boys relay team than won gold and the 400m girl’s were also given cash awards.
The 18-member men’s hockey team that secured a silver medal, following a hard-fought loss to hosts Madhya Pradesh in the final received a cash award of Rs. 75,000 for each member.
Sohini Sanjay Mohanty and Aradhya Verma from the tennis team received Rs 1,00,000 each for their phenomenal performance in the girls doubles category.
For the first time since its inception, the Khelo India Youth Games featured Kayaking and Canoeing. Odisha bagged an impressive haul of seven medals.
Behera congratulated the athletes on their remarkable performances and thanked them for bringing glory to the state. “You have made Odisha proud with your hard work, determination, and sportsmanship. Your success at KIYG 2022 and international tournaments is a testament to your talent and potential. I am confident that you will continue to shine in your future endeavours,” Behera stated.
Among the others felicitated were Saina Salonika (Chess), Shriynaka Sadangi (Shooting), Swasti Singh (Cycling), Senior Women’s Kho-Kho Team, Ayush Patnaik, Abhinash Mohanty, Abhijit Maharana and Harshita Rout (Badminton). The medal-winners of the 37th Junior National Athletics Championship were also awarded with cash prizes to encourage the young athletes.