Bhubaneswar: Hockey athlete Sunelita Toppo has been awarded the 34th Ekalabya Puraskar 2026 in recognition of her exceptional accomplishments in the sport. This decision was reached unanimously by the selection committee during a meeting in Bhubaneswar.

The Ekalabya Puraskar includes a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh along with a trophy. Additionally, hockey player Amandeep Lakra and badminton player Tanvi Patri have received citation awards, each worth Rs 1.5 lakh, for their remarkable performances on both national and international stages.

Established in 1993 by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), the Ekalabya Puraskar stands as one of the most esteemed sports awards in Odisha, honoring young athletes from the region for their achievements over the last two years.

On Sunday, Baijayant Panda, the chairperson of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and a trustee of IMPaCT, announced the awardees, emphasizing the award’s role in fostering young athletic talent for over thirty years.

“Odisha has immense sporting potential, and it is important that young athletes receive the recognition and encouragement they deserve,” he remarked, noting that this initiative aims to inspire future generations of sportspersons.

The awards will be presented at a forthcoming ceremony. Aswini Prasad Mohanty, the committee’s convenor, was responsible for overseeing the selection process.