Swetaparna Panda to Receive Ekalavya Award 2025

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s ace badminton player Swetaparna Panda has been selected for the prestigious Ekalavya Award for 2025, instituted by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPACT) to honour outstanding achievements in sports.

Swetaparna will receive a trophy and a cash prize of ₹7 lakh in recognition of her remarkable performance and dedication to the sport.

Weightlifter Pritismita Bhoi and tennis player Ahan have been named runners-up and will each receive ₹1.5 lakh along with a citation.

The Ekalavya Award, instituted in 1993 by IMPACT — the charitable wing of IMFA — has been one of Odisha’s most respected honours for sporting excellence. The recognition stands as a testament to Swetaparna’s consistent effort, discipline, and contribution to badminton.