Odisha swimmer Pratyasa Ray to get Ekalabya Puraskar

Emerging swimmer Pratyasa Ray has been selected for the 32nd Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024 for her achievements in swimming. A proud moment for Odisha’s sporting fraternity.

About Pratyasa Ray

• Pratyasa Ray, a promising talent in the field of swimming with a remarkable track record, has been selected for this year’s award in recognition of her exceptional performances.
• Born in Bargarh district of Odisha.

Achievements

• Emerged as the Joint-Best Swimmer in Women Open category, bagging 6 Gold medals in the 64th Odisha State Swimming Championship in 2024.
• Won 6 Gold medals in the 63rd Odisha State Swimming Championship in 2023.
• Adjudged best in sub-junior category of the State Swimming Championship, in 2011 winning 4 Gold medals (50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle) and 1 Silver medal in 50m breaststroke.
• Won 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medal in the 2nd Odisha National Swimming Ranking Championship (Final) 2023.
• Won 2 Silver medals (one each in women 50m and 200m backstroke events) in the Thailand Age Group Swimming Championships at Assumption University in Bangkok on 7 and 10 April 2023.

Prize Money 

She will receive a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh, an increase from the previous Rs 5 lakh along with a citation at a ceremony.

What is Ekalabya Puraskar?

• Ekalabya Puraskar was instituted by charitable body IMPaCT (Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) in 1993 and managed by IMFA, the leading ferro alloys producer in the country. It is now considered the most prestigious sports award in Odisha.
• The award is given every year to young sportspersons of Odisha in recognition of their outstanding performance in the preceding two years.

Remarks by IMPaCT President

• IMPaCT has been in continuous pursuit to recognise and inspire excellence in sports besides contributing to the general welfare of the society at large.
• Ekalabya Puraskar is instituted to encourage young sportspersons of the State to perform at the national and international arenas.