Bhubaneswar, 11 November (H.S.): Odisha para-athlete Payal Nag has been awarded a cash incentive of Rs 10 lakh by the State Sports and Youth Services Department in recognition of her silver medal-winning performance at the 5th Asian Para Games 2026.

Payal secured the silver medal in the Women's Para Compound Doubles category at the continental sporting event, bringing laurels to Odisha.

At a felicitation ceremony held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, Sports and Youth Services Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia and Director Dr Yedula Vijay felicitated the para-archer and presented her with the cash award of Rs 10 lakh.

Congratulating Payal on her achievement, Poonia said her silver medal at the 5th Asian Para Games had brought pride and honour to Odisha. Her remarkable performance would serve as an inspiration to sportspersons across the State, he added.

The Commissioner-cum-Secretary also wished Payal success in her future endeavours and reiterated the department's commitment to the overall development of sports and sportspersons in Odisha.

He said the Sports and Youth Services Department was continuously working to strengthen the sporting ecosystem and provide support for the growth and development of athletes across different disciplines.

Payal's achievement has further highlighted Odisha's growing presence in para-sports at the national and international levels.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda