New Delhi: Odisha’s ace para-badminton player Pramod Bhagat was today conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award at the National Sports Awards ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

He received the award from President Ram Nath Kovind at a special function organised at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The award comprises of a statuette, a certificate and Rs 5 lakh. The Arjuna Award is given to players for consistent outstanding performance for a minimum period of four years.

Bhagat had recently won two gold medals at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships. The para-shuttler had partnered with Manoj Sarkar to clinch gold medal in men’s doubles category. Similarly, he defeated England’s Daniel Bethell 6-21,21-14,21-5 in the final of men’s singles SL 3 category to seal the top spot.

Hailing from Attabira in Bargarh district, Pramod has brought laurels to Odisha and nation several times.