AI SummaryBiju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching is a prestigious state-level honor from the Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, for coaches who train athletes to succeed at national and international competitions. Selected coaches receive a cash award of ₹1,00,000 along with a statue, scroll of honour and a blazer with a tie.
This award is a category under the Biju Patnaik Sports Award scheme, launched to remember the work of late Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha, in the growth of sports in the state. The award is given every year, and the department has now also put in an online application facility on the official state sports portal.
Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching - Introduction
Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching honours coaches who have spent their career training players in major sports disciplines and have produced sportspersons who performed well at national and international levels. The scheme encourages the development of sports and games across the state and recognizes the mentors who bring pride to Odisha.
For this scheme, a coach means a person employed by the State Government, Sports and Youth Services Department, SAI, O.C.S., sports associations, or any corporate, private sector or club that runs regular sports activities. This also covers people who get outstanding results in Olympic and non-Olympic sports recognized by the Government of India or the State Government, as well as indigenous sports.
A sports discipline here means a sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee, Indian Olympic Association, Government of India, Sports Authority of India or the Government of Odisha, which also includes sports events for persons with disabilities.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual |
| State | Odisha |
| Benefit Type | Cash Award |
| Cash Award | ₹1,00,000 |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
| Nodal Department | Sports and Youth Services Department, Odisha |
| Official Website | sports.odisha.gov.in |
Benefits
The government presents this award to selected coaches. A successful candidate gets a cash prize of ₹1,00,000. On top of that, the department gives a statue, a scroll of honour, and a blazer with a tie as marks of appreciation.
Selected awardees are invited to receive the honour in person. The government also pays travel allowance and daily allowance at the rates allowed to a Grade A officer for awardees who attend the ceremony.
A few points to note:
- Canvassing for the award is strictly not allowed and can disqualify an application.
- The award can be given posthumously to the next of kin of the selected coach.
- If more than one person is chosen, the cash award is shared among them.
- The department is not bound to give the award every year if no suitable candidate is found.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this recognition, an applicant should meet these conditions:
- Be a permanent resident of Odisha or have stayed there for at least 07 years.
- Have spent a career coaching in recognized major sports disciplines and helped sportspersons reach national or international levels.
- Have a clean track record and not be convicted of any criminal offence.
- The award is a one-time lifetime honour for each specific category.
Note on Cancellation: if an award is found to have been obtained through fraud, the department can cancel it. In such a case, the awardee has to refund the amount, or the department will recover the funds with 5% simple interest per year.
Application Process
Applications can now be submitted both online and offline. For the current BPSA 2025 award cycle, the last date to apply was 10th July 2026, 5:00 PM. The department issues the advertisement and guidelines each year on the official website.
STEP 1 - Visit the official website at sports.odisha.gov.in and open the Biju Patnaik Sports Award notice to read the advertisement and guidelines for the current cycle.
STEP 2 - For the online route, go to the state sports portal at portal.sportsodisha.gov.in/SportAward/login and register or log in to fill the online application form.
STEP 3 - For the offline route, download the application form from the official website or collect it from the office of the District Collector, DSO, SP, NYKS, or the Odisha Council of Sports.
STEP 4 - Fill in all required details clearly and attach self-attested documents. Any of these does not need attestation from a gazetted officer.
STEP 5 - Submit the form personally or through the respective sports association to the Sports and Youth Services Department before the deadline.
A committee checks all applications to confirm they meet the benchmark requirements. A selection committee chaired by the Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department does the final evaluation, and the final list is approved at the ministerial level.
Documents
Keep these documents ready while applying:
- Valid identity proof.
- Three recent passport-size photographs.
- Proof of permanent residence or stay in Odisha for 7 years.
- Documentary evidence of the coaching career.
- Academic and professional qualification certificates related to coaching.
- Profiles of sportspersons coached who reached national or international success.
- Any other evidence that supports the claim for this excellence award.
References
Official Website | Scheme Guidelines | Advertisement and Guidelines 2025 | Online Application Link
FAQ's
What is Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching?
It is a category under the Biju Patnaik Sports Award, started by the Government of Odisha to honour coaches with very good work in sports.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, is the main department for this award.
Does this award offer a cash prize?
Yes, selected awardees receive a cash prize of ₹1,00,000 along with a statue, scroll of honour and a blazer with a tie.
Can the award be given to someone who has passed away?
Yes, the award can be given posthumously to the nominee's next of kin.
Can a coach apply online now?
Yes, the department has an online application facility on the state sports portal at portal.sportsodisha.gov.in, besides the offline process.
Are travel expenses covered if selected?
Yes, travel and daily allowances are given at the rates allowed to Grade A officers for awardees who attend the ceremony in person.
Can a coach apply again once the award is received?
No, this award is given only once in a lifetime for a specific category.