In a proud moment for Odisha’s sporting community, rising badminton star Swetaparna Panda has been named the winner of the 33rd Ekalabya Puraskar for 2025. The award, which recognizes outstanding contributions by young sportspersons from the state, was announced by the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee after deliberations by a distinguished panel of jury members from various sectors.

The 20-year-old Cuttack native, who trained at the renowned Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, has already made a mark on the international stage. Swetaparna has clinched four BWF International Challenge/Series doubles titles alongside her sister and partner Rutaparna Panda, showcasing her talent and consistency in women’s doubles events. In recognition of her achievements, Swetaparna will be awarded a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh. The exact date for the Ekalabya Puraskar award ceremony will be announced soon.

Apart from Swetaparna, Odisha’s promising athletes Pritismita Bhoi, a weightlifter, and Aahaan, a tennis player, have been selected to receive citations for their remarkable performances at national and international competitions. Both will be honoured with Rs 1.5 lakh each, along with citations, during the award ceremony, further highlighting the state’s growing prominence in nurturing sports talent across diverse disciplines.

Ekalabya Puraskar, instituted in 1993 by IMPaCT and managed by IMFA, India’s leading ferro-alloys producer, is designed to encourage and inspire young sportspersons from Odisha to excel at national and international levels. Speaking on the announcement, Baijayant Panda, Chairperson of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and Trustee of IMPaCT, said: "IMPaCT has been in continuous pursuit to recognise and inspire excellence in sports, besides contributing to the general welfare of society. Ekalabya Puraskar encourages young sportspersons of the State to perform at the national and international arenas." The recognition of Swetaparna Panda, along with the citations for Pritismita Bhoi and Aahaan, reflects Odisha’s emerging sports culture and its commitment to supporting young athletes who bring laurels to the state and country.