Odisha’s Rising Tennis Star Debasis Sahoo Receives Ekalabya Puraskar 2023

Bhubaneswar: Tennis player Debasis Sahoo clinched the 31st Ekalabya Puraskar 2023, presented by IMPaCT and managed by IMFA, a leading Ferro Alloys producer in India.

Sahoo, with four international and 11 national titles, received Rs 5 lakh and a citation. Athlete Bapi Hansda and weightlifter Jyoshna Sabar were also honoured, each receiving Rs 1 lakh and citations.

Former cricketer Madan Lal and NCA coach Pawan Agrawal joined the event, praising IMFA’s initiative. Baijayant Panda, BJP National Vice President and Ekalabya Puraskar Committee Chairperson, emphasized the award’s impact, recognizing past awardees’ international representation. Panda expressed gratitude to Madan Lal and affirmed the award’s continual support for aspiring athletes.

Established in 1993, the Ekalabya Puraskar has evolved into Odisha’s premier sports award, motivating and recognizing exceptional local talent. The award, acknowledging performances from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2023, remains a vital contributor to the state’s sports landscape, inspiring future stars.