Asian Games 2023: Odisha Govt. announces cash reward of Rs 1.5 crores for silver medalist Kishore Kumar Jena

The 27-year-old in the process secured qualification for Paris Olympics 2024.

The Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, on Wednesday (3rd October) announced a cash reward of Rs 1.5 crore for Javelin star Kishore Kumar Jena, who has clinched silver medal at the Asian Games 2023 held in Hangzhou, Republic of China. The first athlete from Odisha to represent India in the final of the prestigious World Athletics Championships, Kishore Kumar Jena, has also qualified for the Paris Olympics with a personal best of 87.54m.

His achievement has created a historic moment for the state and country. The Chief Minister of Odisha congratulated Jena for his remarkable success in the ongoing continental meet and also assured him that he will give all support for his preparation for the Paris Olympics 2024.

"The accolade acknowledges his outstanding performance, perseverance, and determination. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him for his victory at the Asian Games and his qualification for the Paris Olympics. Kishore's triumph not only showcases individual excellence but also stands as an inspiration for emerging athletes throughout the nation," said Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha.

“The reward will help young athletes from Odisha to pursue their dreams and achieve success at the national and international levels,” he stated.

In the previous month, Kishore Kumar Jena was honored by Naveen Patnaik with a cash prize of ₹50 lakh in recognition of his exceptional performance at the World Athletics Championship held in Budapest, Hungary.

Kishore's performance at the Asian Games 2023 was outstanding. He speared the javelin to a distance of 87.54 meters, which earned him a silver medal in the event.

After the silver medal triumph, celebrations started to mark this occasion in Kothasahi, Kishore's hometown, which is close to Bramhagiri in the Puri district. The family members distributed sweets to the people in the village to celebrate the moment.

"He was working really, really hard for the Asian Games 2023. I have not seen him for the last two years as he was busy in his practice," Kishore's mother said.