BHUBANESWAR: On the occasion of National Sports Day, the government of Odisha on Monday awarded 291 sportspersons with cash awards of Rs 2.12 crore for their spelindid performance in national and international events. At a special event held in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the state government honoured the athletes from Odisha. Amit Rohidas and Deep Grace Ekka, who won hockey medals at the Commonwealth Games 2022, received recognition from the Chief Minister. For earning silver, Amit won a monetary prize of Rs. 75 lakh, while Deep received Rs. 50 lakh. At the occasion, Tusharkanti Behera, the minister of sports, presented Rs 7.5 lakh each to Dutee Chand, Srabani Nanda, Padmini Rout, and Dinesh Kumar for their participation in the CWG 2022, the FIDE Chess Olympiad, and the CWG 2022, respectively. Saina Salonika, a blind chess player, received Rs 1.5 lakh, Tankadhar Bag, a football player, Rs 2 lakh, Soundarya Pradhan, a wheelchair fencer, Rs 2 lakh, and Malati Panure, a wheelchair fencer, Rs 3 lakh from the minister for their accomplishments on international stages. The CM presented the coveted Biju Patnaik Sports Award for excellent performance in sports and games to weightlifter Jhili Dalabehera and shooter Shriyanka Sadangi. Odisha Govt plans MSME parks across district Naveen Patnaik approves 36 new police stations in Odisha Odisha fertiliser shortage: CM Patnaik Writes To Mansukh Mandviya