Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: Yesterday evening at a function here, Odisha’s ace woman sprinter and ex-Olympian, Srabani Nanda bagged the the 24th Ekalabya Puraskar. She was also awarded with a cash prize worth Rs 5lakh. The trophy was conferred upon her by the renowned sprinter and Olympian Milkha Singh. Two other promising hockey players of Odisha named Deep Grace Ekka and Dipsan Tirkey were felicitated as well by Milkha Singh with a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a citation each. The Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), the charitable wing of the IMFA Group had constituted the awards and has also organized the function. The award, instituted since 1993, is conferred every year on young and outstanding sportspersons of Odisha.
Nanda said that it’s a great honour in recognition of her efforts and success which has made her state and the country proud. She also thanked Milkha Singh and the other distinguished guests present there. she also further stated that its unfortunate and she regrets the fact that she could not win a medal in the Rio Olympics but it’s never too late and she would never give up. She would try her best to fulfil her long cherished dream of winning a medal in the next Olympics.
Addressing the gathering, Milkha said it has been almost 60 years since his epic run in 400 metres final at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games, but there is no other Milkha Singh born till date in this country with a population of nearly 120 crore and hence, before he dies he would like to see another Milkha winning this team. He also said he will never forget Odisha, especially the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, where he had broken the Asian 400-metre track record way back in 1957.
Among others, chairman of IMPaCT Trust and MP, Baijayant Panda also spoke. Ekalabya Jury member Maqbool Ali proposed the vote of thanks. The welcome address was given by Ashok Behera, convener, Ekalabya Committee. Senior IAS officer and secretary, Water Resources, Pradip Jena was also present at the award giving function.
