India's Javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena wins Sportslogon Player of the Year Award, felicitated in Bhubaneswar

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The prestigious Sportslogon Player of the Year Award for 2024 was bestowed upon Kishore Kumar Jena, India's javelin thrower from Odisha and the Asian Games silver medallist.

The ceremony took place at Kalinga Stadium on Sunday. In Kishore's absence, his father, Keshab Jena, accepted the award and a cash prize of Rs 25,000 on his behalf.

In other categories, para-athlete Suchitra Parida and football coach Shuvendu Panda were honoured with the emerging player and coach of the year awards, respectively. Suchitra achieved a new national record in javelin throw in 2024. Under Shuvendu's guidance, India's U-15, U-17, and U-19 teams achieved significant success.

The national U-19 team triumphed as SAFF champions by defeating Pakistan. Additionally, the U-15 team secured a bronze medal in the SAFF championship. Shuvendu is distinguished as the only Odisha coach with an AFC-A license. Both Suchitra and Shuvendu received trophies along with cash prizes of Rs 25,000 each.

Mannata Mishra, a promising swimmer from the state, was awarded the Kumudini Krida Prativa Purakar. She was presented with a cash prize of Rs 15,000. Former volleyball player Dukhishyama Mallik was honoured with the Player of the Bygone Era award. His daughter Asha Mallik accepted the trophy and a cash prize of Rs 25,000 on his behalf.

The award ceremony was graced by notable guests including IPS Sanjeeb Panda and social worker Kumudini Mishra. Other distinguished attendees included SNM Group Managing Director Prabodh Mohanty and former Odisha Ranji team coach Lalatendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra.

Dilip Samantray from Angul Sukinda Railway Ltd and New Indian Express Residential Editor Siba Mohanty also attended the event as guests. Their presence added to the significance of this celebratory occasion for sports excellence in Odisha.

Kishore Kumar Jena's achievement at Budapest's World Athletics Championship was among his top accomplishments. He ranked among the top five athletes globally in his category.