International-level athlete Dutee Chand has bagged the prestigious 23rd Ekalabya award for the year 2015 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to sports.
The sprinter will get a cash award of Rs 5 lakh along with a citation at the Ekalabya Award function, the date for which will be announced soon.
Besides, two other sportsperson will be felicitated for their remarkable performances in various national and international-level championships in their respective fields.
They are weightlifter Pramila Kirsani and chess player Saina Salonika. Both will receive a cash prize of Rs50,000, each, along with citations.
The award, mounted the IMPaCT Trust, is given every year to young sportspersons of Odisha for their excellent performance in the preceding two years. Announcing the names, MP and IMPaCT Trustee Baijayant Panda said the award will attract young talents and inspire them to perform better in national and international arena.