Odisha Government Renames Biju Patnaik Sports Award to Odisha Rajya Krida Samman: All You Need to Know

BHUBANESWAR: The BJP government in Odisha has decided to give a new name to the Biju Patnaik Sports Award. From now on, it will be called the Odisha Rajya Krida Samman. This award is given every year on National Sports Day, which is celebrated on August 29. 

The Biju Patnaik Sports Award started in 2001-2002 and was named after the famous leader, Biju Patnaik. The award was created to honor people who have done great things in sports. This year, the government thought it would be better to rename it. 

The Odisha Rajya Krida Samman is given in different categories. These include outstanding performance in sports and games, lifetime achievement in promoting sports and games, excellence in coaching, and excellence in sports journalism. 

In 2015, a new category was added for the best contribution to the promotion of sports and games. Last year, three more categories were included in the awards. 

For the lifetime achievement award in promoting sports and games, the winner will get a cash prize of Rs 3 lakhs. Athletes who have performed exceptionally well will receive Rs 2 lakhs. 

Other categories like excellence in coaching, best contribution to the promotion of sports, excellence in sports journalism, technical officials, para-sportsperson, and upcoming player of the year will each get Rs 1 lakh. 

This renaming of the award is a significant change, and the government hopes it will encourage more people to take part in sports and work towards achieving excellence in this field. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Odisha Rajya Krida Samman 

1. What is the Odisha Rajya Krida Samman? 

The Odisha Rajya Krida Samman is an award given by the Odisha government to honor people who have done great things in sports. It used to be called the Biju Patnaik Sports Award but has been renamed. 

2. When is the award given? 

The award is given every year on National Sports Day, which is celebrated on August 29. 

3. What are the different categories for this award? 

The award is given in several categories, including:

• Outstanding performance in sports and games
• Lifetime achievement in promoting sports and games
• Excellence in coaching
• Excellence in sports journalism
• Best contribution to the promotion of sports and games
• Technical officials
• Para-sportsperson
• Upcoming player of the year 

4. How much money do the winners get?

The cash prizes vary by category:

• Lifetime achievement in promoting sports and games: Rs 3 lakhs
• Outstanding performance in sports and games: Rs 2 lakhs
• Excellence in coaching, best contribution to the promotion of sports, excellence in sports journalism, technical officials, para-sportsperson, and upcoming player of the year: Rs 1 lakh each 

5. Why was the name of the award changed?

The new BJP government in Odisha decided to rename the award to reflect a fresh start and to emphasize the state's commitment to sports. 

6. Who can receive the Odisha Rajya Krida Samman? 

The award can be received by athletes, coaches, journalists, technical officials, para-sportspersons, and others who have made significant contributions to sports in Odisha. 

7. How can someone be nominated for the award? 

People can be nominated by various sports organizations, clubs, and institutions. The nominations are reviewed by the Sports and Youth Services Department of Odisha. 

8. What is the goal of the Odisha Rajya Krida Samman? 

The goal of the award is to recognize and encourage excellence in sports and to inspire more people to take part in sports and achieve great things.