Padma Shri for para shuttler Pramod Bhagat

SAMBALPUR: Jubilation grips Western Odisha after the announcement of Padma Shri Award for para badminton player, Pramod Bhagat, who is a native of Attabira in Bargarh district.
Earlier, Bhagat was endowed with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 and Arjuna Award in 2019. Bhagat also bagged a gold medal in the men's singles SL3 badminton event at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021.
The 33-year-old para shuttler, Pramod, who was detected polio at the age of four only, is in Spain for training now.

When contacted, Pramod said, I am extremely delighted to know that I have been nominated for the prestigious Padma Shri award. The year 2021 was a great year for me and in the beginning of 2022, I was nominated for Padma Shri. It is a great honour for me. This will motivate and inspire me and players like me, he said.
Pramod participated in state level outdoor games at the age of 10 only. Along with some friends of the village, he also participated in many tournaments. Despite being differently abled, he performed outstandingly in those tournaments.
Pramod's father, Kailash Bhagat was a driver in a rice mill in Attabira. The financial condition of the family was weak. But the financial condition failed to stop Pramod from cherishing his dream.
"Bhagat made Attabira and the entire Odihsa proud. Though he was struggling for money, he did not get disappointed. The whole Bargarh district is celebrating the grand achievement of Bhagat," said Rabi Panda, a sports organizer and resident of Attabira.