Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik greets para-badminton champ Pramod Bhagat with Rs 6 crores, authorities job   

By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR:  Odisha’s golden boy and champion para shuttler Pramod Bhagat was accorded a grand welcome earlier than being felicitated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with a money award of Rs 6 crore at Kalinga Stadium right here on Friday, September 10, 2021.

Bhagat, additionally provided a Group-A-level authorities job by the Government, was taken out on a procession from the Biju Patnaik International Airport upon his arrival. Congratulating Bhagat who’s India’s first-ever para badminton gold medalist, the Chief Minister stated the champion has impressed a era of sportspersons and para-sportspersons to create their very own future.

“Your victory was a proud moment for the entire nation and will remain forever so. You have truly redefined how sports can uplift and empower lives. I wish you all the very best for greater glory”, Naveen stated and guaranteed him authorities assist in his journey forward.

Bhagat expressed his gratitude in direction of the Chief Minister for the continual assist and motivation in his Olympic journey.   “I have won 125 medals so far but Olympic medal is very special and close to my heart. My hard work for the last two decades and support of my family, government and people of Odisha has finally paid off”, he stated. 

Bhagat hoped that his Olympic gold medal will change folks and authorities’s notion in direction of para sportspersons. Stating that para athletes of India have created historical past by successful 19 medals within the Tokyo Paralympic Games, Bhagat stated that he’s hopeful that the Central Government will announce the perfect of the money award for them.

He additionally stated he would have an interest to serve in a sports-related place or as a Deputy Collector. Minister for Sports and Youth Services Tusharkanti Behera, Chairman of Hockey Promotion Council Dilip Tirkey, 5T Secretary VK Pandian and Commissioner, Sports, R Vineel Krishna had been current.