Bhagat clinched gold in para badminton men’s singles SL3 event after a hard-fought victory against fellow-Indian Nitesh Kumar in the final.

The singles gold capped a memorable tournament for reigning Paralympic champion Bhagat, who also bagged two bronze medals — in men’s doubles SL3-SL4 and mixed doubles SL3-SU5 events.

“Pramod is one of the finest competitors and an example of sheer determination, and I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to him. I am certain he will continue to make us proud at the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games,” Naveen said, assuring all support for him ahead of the Paris Paralympic Games.

Bhagat expressed his gratitude for the support he has received in the course of his journey.

“I would like to express deep gratitude for the overwhelming support I receive, notably from the Hon’ble CM of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik. At the Asian Para Games, I proudly secured three medals in three events, including one gold and two bronze. This triumph serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for my journey towards the Paris Olympic Games in 2024,” Bhagat said after his singles triumph on Friday.

Appreciating the landmark achievement of Kishore, the Chief Minister said he was a source of pride for entire state . particularly sportspersons. He expressed confidence that the champion javelin thrower would bring more laurels to the state and wished him luck for Paris Olympics.

Secretary (5T) VK Pandian was also present during the felicitation and congratulated Kishore for his exemplary journey.

Kishore thanked the Chief Minister for recognising his effort and achievement and expressed his gratitude to Odisha Government for supporting sportspersons that helps them stay focused on their game.

He bagged the silver medal in the Asian Games with his personal best throw of 87.54 metre and sealed his berth in the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. India’s javelin champion Neeraj Chopra bagged gold medal in the Games.

Kishore, who hails from Puri, had an immensely successful year. Before the Asian Games, he finished 5th at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest for which he was recognised with a cash award of Rs 50 lakh by the chief minister.

The Chief Minister expressed his congratulations to Amit Rohidas, acknowledging his outstanding performance and calling him an inspiration for youngsters not only across Odisha but also throughout India.

“Amit Rohidas’ remarkable achievements exemplify the spirit of perseverance and excellence. He has become a symbol of hope and pride for aspiring athletes in our state and beyond. His success story resonates with every individual striving to achieve greatness, and we are immensely proud of his accomplishments,” he said.

Amit Rohidas, a true son of the soil from the hockey-rich region of Sundargarh in Odisha, had proudly earned himself an Olympic Bronze Medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, an official release said on Saturday.

Amit Rohidas, a product of Odisha’s rich sporting culture, honed his exceptional skills at the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela. With an impressive track record of over 150 caps, Amit emerged as an integral cog in India’s campaign in Hangzhou, serving as the first rusher and displaying remarkable strategic acumen. His pivotal goal in the semi-final against Korea, propelled the Indian team towards the final and the coveted gold medal.

The Indian women’s team won gold medal beating Australia in the final, while the Indian men’s team nagged silver.

While the Odisha quartet of Padmini Tudu, Basanti Hansda, Jhili Birua and Phula Soren helped Indian women’s team lift the crown, there were three male players from Odisha — Md Jafar Iqbal, Nakula Badanayak and Pankaj Bhue – who shone for the Indian men’s team.

In recognition of their outstanding accomplishments, the Odisha CM presented a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh to each of the four female players from the state, and Rs 15 lakh each to the men’s trio.

Congratulating the cricketers, Naveen said, “The players have made us all proud with their outstanding achievements in spite of all the challenges they faced in reaching this level. Their remarkable talent, dedication and hard work is an inspiration for all.”