SPORTS SCIENCE INDIA PRESENTS
SSI SPORTS
AWARDS
On 29th November 2025
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An Initiative by Dr. Sarthak Patnaik
About Sports Science India
Sports Science India is one of the largest multidisciplinary sports medicine practices in Eastern India. It’s the first Sports Medicine Centre of Odisha and Eastern India. The idea was conceived by Dr. Sarthak Patnaik and Mr. Soumya Patnaik. The brother duo has been working with various sports disciples for the last 7 years and has earned many laurels for their National and International sports event participation. The team has been presently serving the Indian Ice
hockey team, India U -16/19 football team, Odisha Football Academy, Ranji Cricket team, SAI table tennis academy, Naval Tata hockey Academy, Tennis clubs, Weight lifting Associations of Bbsr and Puri, Wrestler association and many more local clubs of various disciples. The Team comprises Sports Medicine specialist, Sports surgeons, Sports physiotherapists, Sports psychology and Sports nutrition specialist. Our Sports medicine Expert Dr. Sarthak Patnaik has been in the service for the last 7 years and has treated many professional sports players both National and International representing India including Olympic Gold Medalist winner Mr. Neeraj Chopra.
At Sports Science India we strive to create a unique environment of excellent facilities, courteous staff and pioneering medical procedures. With the help of cutting-edge technologies, extensive research resources and best-in-the-world treatment options, Sports Science India is the Sports Medicine destination of choice for a great number patients.
How Red Panda Represents Sports Science India?
We have worked only on the Red Panda concept as we strongly feel it would be more out-of-the-box than having anything stereo-typically related to sports.
The form is a depiction of Red Panda just before its sprint to climb a tree. This is to show how SSI is ready to sprint at all times to serve the sports sector. The eyes of the red panda is made to look fierce to show the focus and the one point perspective to reach the goal. This shows the more focused and greater vision of Sports Science India (SSI) beyond the ROI of its business. The action also relates to Sports Science India (SSI) moving forward crossing all obstacles. The font is serif to communicate the attributes of the brand – bold, sturdy and all time classic.
- Red Panda is also known as “Lesser panda and “First Panda” by the scientists – The services that Sports Science India (SSI) will be providing to the sports community internationally is first of its kind.
- Red pandas have a large range that extends from western Nepal to northern Myanmar. However now these places do not belong to India, Red Pandas do have a strong connection with India though they are found in few other places – Similarly, though Sports Science India (SSI) will be operating internationally, the origin of the brand will always be India.
- When descending a tree head-first, Red Panda rotates its ankle to control its descent and they are one of the few climbing species to do so – Sports Science India (SSI) focuses on the control over ones body to minimize / nullify injuries and have a fruitful sports career. Very few brands teach how to play a sport right.
- In contrast, Red Panda has a sedentary lifestyle with no or irregular physical activity – Whereas, Sports Science India (SSI) promotes how to regularize and calibrate any physical activity / sports. This positions the brand as someone who changes the negative into a positive / impossible into possible.
- In contrast, Red Panda is a solitary animal – Sports Science India (SSI) has solely taken the responsibility to bring a change in the sports sector.
- Red pandas are excellent climbers – Though being a start-up, Sports Science India (SSI) looks beyond the possible avenues to climb higher
About SSI Awards
Celebrating Sportsmanship
SSI Salutes the Spirit
The five S’s of sports training are: stamina, speed, strength, skill, and spirit. But, the greatest of these is spirit. As George Orwell writes, “You play to win, and the game has little meaning unless you do your utmost to win.” The spirit is strength in itself, unfazed by the fear of loss or defeat. It’s synonymous to perseverance, resilience, determination and patience. Sports Science India (SSI) salutes this spirit, personified by our sportspersons, and has introduced SSI Sports Awards. Here’s our list of awards and awardees:
SSI Karna Award
In the Indian mythological epic of Mahabharata, Karna was considered to be an extremely gifted warrior and an equal to Arjuna with the bow and arrow. Named after Karna, the award aims to honor the vigour and valour of a sportsman. The awardee is chosen by the editorial board of SSI Fanzine, the monthly newsletter of SSI.
Paika Team Award
The Paikas were peasant militias of the Gajapati rulers of Odisha. Led by Buxi Jagabandhu, they revolted against the British exploitation of Indian mass. Paika Rebellion was an armed revolt against British colonial rule in India that occurred in 1817 in Odisha. It was one of the earliest rebellions against the British. So, this award is a tribute to the fearlessness showcased by the Paikas as a community. That’s why it is a team award.
Milkha Singh Sprint Champion Award
Independent India’s first individual sports star, the late great Milkha Singh dominated Indian track and field for over a decade with his speed and spirit. He is the only athlete to win gold at 400 metres at the Asian Games as well as the Commonwealth Games. He also won gold medals in the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games. He represented India in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Padma Shri Milkha Singh, also known as “The Flying Sikh”, was introduced to the sport while serving in the Indian Army. Thus, the award named after him has been instituted to honour sportspersons (male) from the services every year.
PT Usha Sprint Champion Award
PT Usha is a bonafide Indian track and field legend. The former sprinter is also known as the ‘Golden Girl’ of Indian athletics. PT Usha is best remembered for a medal that she didn’t win! At the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics, Usha clocked 55.42s in the women’s 400m hurdles to finish fourth, missing out on the bronze medal by just 1/100th of a second. Though the Olympic medal eluded her, the ace sprinter, known as the Payyoli Express, dominated the Asian track and field events for well over a decade. PT Usha also boasts of a record haul at the Asian Athletics Championships, accounting for a whopping 23 medals – 14 gold, six silver and three bronze. The award named after her is for honoring female sprinters, who exemplify her dauntless spirit
Dilip Tirkey Grassroot Award
Padma Shri Dilip Tirkey is the first and only Hockey player from India to play more than 400 international matches. Dilip Tirkey has represented India in 3 Olympic Games and was Captain of the Indian Hockey Team at the 2004 Summer Olympics at Athens. Under his captaincy, India clinched a gold medal at the 2003 Afro Asian Games by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. After retirement, Tirkey has taken several steps to promote hockey at the grassroot-levels in Odisha. Thus, this award recognizes the efforts towards sports promotion at the grassroots.
SSI Best Coach Award
Coaches are the unsung heroes of the sporting world. They lay the foundation for victories. Coaches not only impart the skills and knowledge to play a certain sport, but they are also mentors, role models, teachers, confidants, and even friends. Coaching leadership is an important part of athlete development and sports development in general. However, their efforts often go unnoticed. Not many awards in India are instituted for the coaches. So, SSI breaks the stereotype and has dedicated this award exclusively for the trainers and coaches.
SSI Lifetime Award
Trophies may gather dust, but memories stay. These memories are also the motivation for future tournaments and championships. SSI takes the pride in reviving the memories of sports glory and hence, this award. Sports legends can retire, but their spirit never fades. We pay our tribute to their spirit.
SSI Emerging Player of the Year Award
When talent blooms somewhere someday, it’s also the society’s responsibility to encourage it to grow and flower. As part of our social responsibility, we have instituted this award to encourage our upcoming stars. We stand by them, in victory or defeat.
SSI Sports Development Award
This award has been instituted to honour dedicated efforts towards sports development and promotion by organizations, associations or any individual. We value the steps taken towards working meticulously for the development and betterment of sports in the country. The award also recognizes the efforts of sports promotion at the grassroot to elite levels. It honors efforts taken towards providing training solutions to players, organizing events in India which match international standards and building infrastructure to promote sports in all the sectors.
SSI Sports Journalism Award
It’s a common adage that the ‘pen is mightier than the sword.’ And, SSI believes it to the core. Thus, SSI Journalism Award is for those awe-inspiring write-ups, articles, news reports and columns on sports and sports personalities that are out-of-the-box and have had impact on society. SSI recognises the remarkable contribution of sports journalists towards shaping up a sports culture in the country. They are the voice for sports and athletes. This award is dedicated to such contributions
SSI Female sprint champion Award
SSI Female Sprint Champion Award
Speed, strength, and spirit define a true champion. The SSI Female Sprint Champion Award celebrates outstanding women athletes who have shown remarkable performance, consistency, and determination in sprinting. This award honors not just their victories on the track but also the dedication and resilience behind each stride. At SSI, we recognize and uplift these trailblazing women who continue to inspire the next generation with their blazing pace and unwavering commitment.
SSI Achievers
SSI SPORTS AWARD 2024
Aneesh S. Gowda is a top Indian swimmer from Bengaluru, Karnataka. He trains at the Basavangudi Aquatic Center and studies law at Christ University. Specializing in freestyle and medley events, he has won multiple national gold medals, including at the 2024 and 2025 Senior National Aquatic Championships. Aneesh has represented India internationally at events like the Asian Games and World Junior Championships, and holds several personal bests in the 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle. He’s seen as one of India’s most promising young swimmers.
Lalu Prasad Bhoi, a 21-year-old sprinter from Lanjigarh, Kalahandi in Odisha, is a rising star in Indian athletics. A commerce student at KISS University, Bhubaneswar, he trains at the Odisha–Reliance Foundation High-Performance Centre under coach Rohit Mane. Specializing in the 100m sprint and long jump, Bhoi gained national attention by winning the 100m at the 2024 National Open Athletics Championship with a time of 10.46 seconds, having clocked a personal best of 10.34 seconds in the semifinals. He also contributed to Odisha’s victory in the 4×100m relay, cementing his status as a promising talent in Indian track and field.
Karnam Malleswari is a former Indian weightlifter and a trailblazer in Indian sports history. She became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal, securing a bronze in the 69 kg category at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Her remarkable achievements earned her the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1994 and the Padma Shri in 1999. Known for her strength, determination, and pioneering spirit, Malleswari’s success inspired a generation of Indian women to pursue sports at the highest level.
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team is one of the most decorated teams in international hockey, with a legacy that includes eight Olympic gold medals, the most by any team. After a golden era from 1928 to 1980, the team made a strong comeback by winning a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and clinching the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy. Coached by Craig Fulton, the team features standout players like Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and veteran goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh. Despite recent ups and downs in the FIH Pro League, including a morale-boosting 4–3 win over Belgium in June 2025, the team remains ranked fifth in the world and is preparing for future global tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
Animesh Kujur, a 21-year-old sprinter from Odisha, has quickly risen to national prominence in Indian athletics. Originally a footballer, he shifted to sprinting during the COVID-19 lockdown after meeting a foreign coach who recognized his talent and began training him. In just two and a half years, Animesh became the second-fastest Indian in the 200m event. His recent gold medal win at the national level, where he broke his own record with a time of 20.65 seconds, highlights his rapid progress and dedication. His story reflects the power of perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
Abdul Hakim Giri, born on September 2, 1977, in Ladakh, is the head coach of the Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team and a key contributor to the sport’s growth in India. A former player turned internationally trained referee and coach, he works as a sports teacher with the District Youth Services and Sports in Jammu and Kashmir. His most significant achievement was leading the women’s team to their first international tournament in Chinese Taipei. Known for nurturing talent at both elite and grassroots levels, Hakim is often likened to the fictional coach Kabir Khan from Chak De India for his inspirational impact on Indian ice hockey.
Bruno Coutinho, a football legend from Goa, was one of India’s most prominent players in the 1990s. He first represented India at just 18 during the Asian School Games in Brunei in 1987 and went on to captain the Indian U-23 team at the Pre-Olympic qualifiers in 1991. He made his senior international debut at the President’s World Cup in Dhaka in 1989 and later captained the Indian national team. Coutinho’s international career spanned over a decade, with his final appearance coming at the Millennium Cup in Kochi in 2001—the same year he was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award for his contributions to Indian football.
Vimal Kumar, a former Indian badminton player, is the recipient of the SSI Best Coach Award. He won the Indian National Championship titles in 1988 and 1989 and represented India in multiple international tournaments, including the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. After retiring, he served as the Chief National Coach of India and played a key role in shaping the country’s badminton structure. He is the Co-Founder, Director, and Chief Coach of the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru, where he has mentored top players like P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. His dedication to coaching and developing young talent has made him one of India’s most respected badminton coaches.
Nithya Gandhe, a 24-year-old sprinter from Telangana, has emerged as one of India’s top female athletes. She won gold in the 100m (11.41s) and bronze in the 200m at the Indian Grand Prix-3 in Bengaluru, along with a 200m gold earlier in the same series. At the 2024 National Open Athletics Championship, she was crowned the fastest woman with a winning time of 11.57 seconds in the 100m. Nithya also won silver in the 4×100m relay at the 2025 Asian Championships and holds personal bests of 11.41s in the 100m and 23.36s in the 200m.
Diptiranjan Samal, born on July 15, 1988, in Cuttack, Odisha, is a prominent sports journalist known for his dedicated coverage of athletics and sporting events in the region. A postgraduate in Mass Communication from Ravenshaw University, he began his journalism career in 2009 and has worked with leading media houses like Samaya, Dharitri, STV Samachar, and Pragativadi. Since 2014, he has been associated with the Odia daily Sambad. An influential voice in Odisha’s sports media, Samal is also an executive member of the Odisha Sports Journalists’ Association (OSJA), having been elected to its executive committee in 2024. His consistent efforts have contributed significantly to the promotion of sports journalism in the state.
Animesh Kujur, a 21-year-old sprinter from Odisha, has quickly risen to national prominence in Indian athletics. Originally a footballer, he shifted to sprinting during the COVID-19 lockdown after meeting a foreign coach who recognized his talent and began training him. In just two and a half years, Animesh became the second-fastest Indian in the 200m event. His recent gold medal win at the national level, where he broke his own record with a time of 20.65 seconds, highlights his rapid progress and dedication. His story reflects the power of perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
Shilanand Lakra, born on May 5, 1999, is a talented Indian field hockey forward from Sundergarh, Odisha. A product of the SAIL Hockey Academy, he has represented India internationally since 2018 and currently plays for BPCL and HC Melbourne. In the 2024 Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship, Lakra led Odisha to a commanding 5–1 victory over Haryana by scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the final. His performance not only secured the championship title for Odisha but also reinforced his reputation as one of India’s most promising hockey players.
Swasti Singh, a talented cyclist from Rourkela, Odisha, continues to shine on the national stage with her recent success at the Asmita Khelo India Women’s Cycling League Track Event (North Zone) in Punjab, where she won five medals. With a cycling career spanning over seven years, Swasti has now amassed an impressive total of 55 national and international medals. Her consistent performance and dedication have made her one of India’s leading female cyclists and a proud representative of Odisha in the world of competitive cycling.
Pranati Nayak is a top Indian gymnast and Olympic athlete known for her excellence in the vault event. Hailing from West Bengal, she has won multiple international medals, including a bronze at the 2019 Asian Championships and FIG World Cups in Cairo and Antalya. She also represented India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. A national champion, Pranati continues to train at the High-Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar and remains a leading figure in Indian gymnastics.
Aditya Thakur, a rally driver from Chennai, kicked off the 2024 motorsport season with an impressive performance at the 47th MMSC South India Rally. Partnered with co-driver Virender Kashyap, the duo delivered a near-flawless drive to top the timesheets. This event marked a round of both the AVT Gold Cup FIA APRC-Asia Cup and the Blueband FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship, setting a strong tone for their season ahead.
Sandeep Kumar, a race walker from Coimbatore, made the nation proud by winning the bronze medal in the men’s 10,000 m race walk at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham. Known for his endurance and disciplined technique, Sandeep’s achievement highlights India’s growing presence in race walking on the international stage.
Animesh Kujur, a 21-year-old sprinter from Odisha, has quickly risen to national prominence in Indian athletics. Originally a footballer, he shifted to sprinting during the COVID-19 lockdown after meeting a foreign coach who recognized his talent and began training him. In just two and a half years, Animesh became the second-fastest Indian in the 200m event. His recent gold medal win at the national level, where he broke his own record with a time of 20.65 seconds, highlights his rapid progress and dedication. His story reflects the power of perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
SSI SPORTS AWARD 2023
Srabani Nanda, born on May 7, 1991, in Phulbani, Odisha, is one of India’s leading sprinters, specializing in the 100m, 200m, and 4×100m relay events. She represented India at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 200m, where she clocked her personal best of 23.07 seconds. In 2025, she added to her accolades by winning a silver medal in the 4×100m relay at the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea. Trained under renowned coach Stephen Francis at the MVP Track & Field Club in Jamaica, Srabani has also been recognized with the Ekalavya Award and a ₹9.4 lakh cash prize from the Odisha government for her outstanding performances. Her dedication and international training have made her a prominent figure in Indian athletics.
Dilip Tirkey, born on November 25, 1977, in Sundargarh, Odisha, is a legendary Indian field hockey player and the current President of Hockey India. Renowned for his rock-solid defense and often called “The Wall,” he holds the record for the most international appearances by an Indian with 412 caps. A three-time Olympian, he captained India at major tournaments including the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2002 Asian Games. Tirkey led the team to victories in the 1998 Asian Games and 2003 Asia Cup. He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2002 and became the first tribal recipient of the Padma Shri in 2004. After retiring in 2010, he moved into politics and sports administration, later becoming Hockey India’s president in 2022. A true icon, his legacy lives on through infrastructure named in his honor and his continued dedication to nurturing Indian hockey.
Swasti Singh, a 23-year-old cyclist from Rourkela, Odisha, is one of India’s most promising talents in both road and track cycling. A national champion and Ekalabya Puraskar awardee, she has earned over 50 medals across various competitions. Swasti gained national attention by setting a new meet record in the 3 km individual pursuit at the 38th National Games in 2025 and added multiple medals for Odisha in both individual and team events. She has also represented India internationally, winning medals at the Asian Track Cycling Championships and South Asian Games. Trained at the SAI National Centre of Excellence, Swasti continues to inspire young athletes in Odisha and across India with her determination, skill, and consistent performance.
Manikanta Hoblidhar, a 21‑year‑old sprinter representing the Services team, has taken Indian athletics by storm. At the 2023 National Open Athletics Championships, he smashed the national 100 m record by clocking an impressive 10.23 s in the semifinals, breaking a seven-year-old mark. He went on to win the final in 10.42 s, firmly establishing himself as a rising star on the national stage. A sepoy in the Indian Army from Udupi, Manikanta is coached by T. Aboobacker and continues to push the boundaries of Indian sprinting, aiming to be among the first to eventually break the elusive 10‑second barrier.
Ardor Football Academy (AFA), established in 2012, is a leading grassroots football institution based in Bhubaneswar and Delhi. Focused on the motto “Football for All,” the academy provides free training to over 300 underprivileged children across multiple community centers, including slums and government schools in Odisha. Under the guidance of AFC-certified coach Jayadev Mahapatra, AFA follows a FIFA-verified curriculum and has produced notable talent such as Chandan Nayak, who trained with Bayern Munich’s U-15 team. The academy supports both boys and girls, with structured programs and competitive exposure through national and I-League club partnerships. AFA is playing a transformative role in nurturing young footballers and aims to reach 200,000 cadets nationwide by 2031.
Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) was honored with the SSI Sports Development Award at the Sports Science India Conclave held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, in December 2023. This recognition celebrates OMC’s significant contributions to sports development in Odisha through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. From building grassroots infrastructure and providing employment opportunities for athletes to supporting national teams like Hockey India, OMC has played a vital role in strengthening the state’s sports ecosystem. The award highlights OMC’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting a culture of sports excellence across the region.
SSI TEAM
Dr. Sarthak Patnaik
Founder
Mr. Soumya Patnaik
Director and Founder
Dr. Nisha Kaushik
Co - Founder
Dr. Monika Ray Patnaik
Co- Founder
Leepika Leepika Patnaik
Marketing Manageer
AKUL NAYAK
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