Sunelita Toppo to Receive 34th Ekalabya Puraskar 2026
Amandeep Lakra and Tanvi Patri selected for citation awards
By Swagatika Mohapatra
Bhubaneswar, Nov. 1: Hockey player Sunelita Toppo has been selected for the prestigious 34th Ekalabya Puraskar 2026 in recognition of her outstanding sporting achievements. The decision was unanimously taken by the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee, comprising distinguished jury members from various fields, at a meeting held in Bhubaneswar.
An emerging talent in Indian hockey, Toppo has earned the honour for her exceptional performances and achievements in the sport. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh, along with a trophy, which will be presented at the Ekalabya Puraskar ceremony to be held at a later date.
Hockey player Amandeep Lakra and badminton player Tanvi Patri have also been selected for citation awards in recognition of their outstanding performances at the national and international levels. Each citation awardee will receive a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh, along with a citation, at the award ceremony.
Instituted in 1993 by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) and managed by Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA), one of India’s leading ferro chrome producers, the Ekalabya Puraskar has emerged as one of Odisha’s most prestigious sporting honours.
Over the years, the award has played a significant role in recognising and encouraging promising sporting talent, with several past recipients going on to achieve success at the national and international levels.
Presented annually, the award honours young sportspersons from Odisha for their outstanding achievements in sports during the preceding two years.
Announcing the awardees, Baijayant Panda, Chairperson of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and Trustee of IMPaCT, said Odisha had immense sporting potential and that young athletes deserved recognition and encouragement for their achievements.
“Odisha has immense sporting potential, and it is important that young athletes receive the recognition and encouragement they deserve. For over three decades, the Ekalabya Puraskar has celebrated exceptional talent and inspired aspiring sportspersons to aim higher. Through this initiative, we remain committed to acknowledging their achievements and encouraging the next generation to bring greater sporting glory to the State,” Panda said.
The proceedings of the selection committee meeting were coordinated by Aswini Prasad Mohanty, Convenor of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee.
