National Games: CM presents Odisha gymnast Pranati Rs.23 lakh

Bhubaneswar: Pranati Nayak fetched Odisha a rich haul of four gold medals and a bronze at the 37th National Games in Goa. Back in Bhubaneswar, the gymnast reaped the rewards for her outstanding performance as Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik felicitated her and presented a cash award of Rs 23 lakh on Sunday.

Pranati, an athlete of Odisha AMNS/India Gymnastics High-Performance Centre at Kalinga Stadium under the guidance of head coach Ashok Mishra, shone bright in in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics.

She began her campaign by striking gold in the All-Round event. She then topped the Vault, Beams and Uneven Bars Apparatus events. In Floor Exercises, Pranati bagged the silver medal.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his pride in Pranati’s accomplishments and said,

“Pranati Nayak’s achievements are a testament to the talent that we nurture in our state. She has made Odisha proud with her outstanding performance at the National Games,” said Naveen.

He also appreciated Pranati’s coach Mishra for playing a significant role in the fine performance of Odisha gymnastics team.

The Odisha CM assured all support for Pranati for upcoming competitions. Chairman 5T and Nabin Odisha VK Pandian, who was present, congratulated them.

“The dedication of such coaches and athletes is an inspiration towards transformation of sports in Odisha,” he said.