Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Best Contribution to Promotion of Sports and Games supports and honors individuals and organizations that make significant improvements in sports administration and promotion within Odisha. Beneficiaries receive a cash award of ₹1,00,000, a certificate, and a traditional blazer to celebrate their commitment to developing the state's sporting ecosystem.
Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha has announced the Biju Patnaik Sports Award 2025 applications, with the last date to apply set as 10th July 2026, 5:00 PM. The award carries a cash prize of ₹1,00,000 along with a statue, scroll of honor, blazer and tie for the winners.
Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Best Contribution to Promotion of Sports and Games
Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Best Contribution to Promotion of Sports and Games is a prestigious recognition under the wider Biju Patnaik Sports Award scheme. Initiated by the Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, the program honors the legacy of the late Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha, by celebrating those who dedicate their efforts to the growth of athletics in the state.
This scheme rewards individuals who contribute through sports administration or as support staff, excluding coaches. It also supports organizations that actively recruit talent, provide financial support for advanced coaching, help with international competition participation, and sponsor major sporting events.
Biju Patnaik Sports Award has other categories as well, including Lifetime Achievement in Promotion of Sports and Games, Excellence in Coaching, and Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games for the Year.
Objective
The main aims of the scheme are given below.
- To encourage the development of sports and games throughout the state.
- To honor meritorious contributors who help the state gain recognition.
- To inspire young talents to excel by following the example of dedicated seniors.
Sports Discipline: The scheme recognizes sports disciplines approved by the International Olympic Committee, Indian Olympic Association, Government of India, Sports Authority of India, and Government of Odisha, including special provisions for sports events organized for persons with disabilities.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Best Contribution to Promotion of Sports and Games |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Odisha |
| Category | Sports and Culture |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individuals, NGOs, Registered Societies |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Department | Sports and Youth Services Department |
| Implementing Agency | Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha |
| Official Website | sports.odisha.gov.in |
Benefits
The award celebrates excellence annually, provided a suitable candidate or organization is selected. Benefits include:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cash Prize | ₹1,00,000 |
| Additional Honors | Statue, Scroll of Honor, Blazer, and Tie |
| Travel/DA | Grade 'A' Officer rate admissible for travel |
Important Notes:
- Prohibited canvassing protects the integrity of the selection.
- The award may be granted posthumously to the candidate's next of kin.
- If multiple winners are selected in one category, the prize money is divided equally among them.
- The Department reserves the right to withhold the award in any given year if no suitable nominee is found.
Eligibility
Individuals and organizations must meet these criteria.
Individual Applicant
A person should be a permanent resident of Odisha or have lived there for at least 7 years. The person should be at least 45 years old as of 1st January of the award year. The applicant must have contributed significantly to sports administration or as support staff. There should be no criminal record. A person can receive this honor only once in a lifetime.
Applicant Organization
An organization must show contributions such as recruiting athletes, providing financial support for training or international events, and sponsoring national or international competitions.
Annulment and Cancellation
If someone receives the award through fraudulent means, official authorities will cancel the status. The award money must be returned, potentially with a 5% annual interest rate applied.
Application Process
Applications for the Biju Patnaik Sports Award 2025 are open online and offline. The last date to apply is 10th July 2026, 5:00 PM.
STEP 1 - Visit the official website and navigate to the Biju Patnaik Sports Award section.
STEP 2 - Sign in through the applicant portal.
STEP 3 - Register as a new user by clicking on the New Applicant link.
STEP 4 - Fill out the form and submit the required documentation.
STEP 5 - Upon successful registration, submit the application using the login credentials.
STEP 6 - Send a printed copy of the application along with supporting documents to the Director of Sports, Sports and Youth Services Department, Kalinga Stadium Sports Complex, Bhubaneswar, 751012.
For offline applications, the application form can be downloaded from the website or collected from the office of the District Collector, DSO, or the Sports and Youth Services Department. Once completed, self-attested forms should be submitted to the relevant department office.
Documents
For individuals, identity proof, three passport-size photographs, proof of residence, age proof, and detailed evidence of contributions to the field are required. For organizations, address proof, registration number, and detailed documentary evidence regarding financial contributions to sports development, recruitment, or sponsorship activities are needed.
References
Biju Patnaik Sports Award 2025 Announcement | Advertisement, Guidelines and Application Form PDF | Offline Application Form PDF
FAQ's
What is the Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Best Contribution to the Promotion of Sports and Games?
This award recognizes individuals and organizations that have significantly promoted sports and games throughout the state of Odisha.
How often is the award presented?
The award is presented annually, depending on the availability of suitable nominees.
What is the amount of the cash prize?
Selected winners are awarded a cash prize of ₹1,00,000.
Are there travel benefits for award winners?
Yes, recipients are invited in person and receive Travel Allowance and Daily Allowance at the rate admissible to a Grade A Officer.
Can the award be granted posthumously?
Yes, in the event of an applicant's passing, the award can be conferred to their next of kin.
What is the minimum age requirement for individual applicants?
Individual applicants must be at least 45 years old as of 1st January of the award year.
When is the last date to apply for the Biju Patnaik Sports Award 2025?
The last date to apply is 10th July 2026, 5:00 PM.