20th Ekalabya Puraskar -2012
Sep 14, 2012
Internal Press Release

International Chess Player Debashis Das has been declared winner of the prestigious 'Ekalabya Puraskar' (20th edition) for the year 2012, carrying a cash award of Rs. 2 lakh. The Ekalabya Committee comprising of distinguished members from different walks of life were unanimous in selecting Debashish Das for the award and weight-lifter Pramila Krisani and athlete Shrabani Nanda for receiving citations.

The 'Ekalabya Puraskar' instituted in the year 1993 by Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), the charitable wing of IMFA Group- leading integrated Ferro Alloys producer in the country, is today recognised as the most prestigious sports award of Odisha. The award is given every year to young sports persons of Odisha in recognition of their outstanding performance in the preceding two years.

Debashis Das, has a brilliant National & International track record.. Among his many achievements are a Bronze Medal at the World Youth Championship held in Caldas Novas(Brazil) in Nov. 2010, and Gold as member of the Gold Winning Team at the World Youth (under 18) World Chess Championship 2010, Beijing . He is the 2nd youngest International Master of Odisha. The citation winners, athlete Shrabani Nanda & weight-lifter Pramila Krisani selected for their outstanding performances both at the National and International level, will receive a cash award of Rs. 50,000 each.

Announcing the names of the Ekalabya Puraskar winners Shri Baijayanta Panda, Hon'ble MP (LS) and Trustee, IMPaCT said “Through the “Ekalabya Puraskar” IMPaCT continues to recognize and foster excellence in sports. This award will provide greater incentive to young and talented sports persons and inspire them to raise their level of performance at National & International level, winning laurels for themselves as well as the state of Odisha.”

Among the previous award winners are Athlete Rachita Mistry ( Panda) , Cricketer Shivsundar Das, International Hockey Player Dilip Tirkey , Chess Player Padmini Rout and others.

IMPaCT, the Trust, managed by IMFA Group plays a leading role in undertaking various social welfare measures in the state. Thr Trust through “Sarala Award” also promotes and enriches Odia literature in the state.

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Mr Kishore Mohan Mohanty
Bhubaneswar
email: kishoremohanty@imfa.in