
Pramod Bhagat – First Odia Khel Ratna Awardee
Pramod Bhagat is one of India’s greatest para badminton champions and the first sportsperson from Odisha to receive the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
The Para Sports Association of Odisha (PSAO) is dedicated to promoting and developing sports for persons with disabilities. We believe that every individual has the potential to achieve greatness when provided with the right opportunities, guidance, and support.
Recognized by the Government of India and affiliated with the Paralympic Committee of India, PSAO works to create equal sporting opportunities for athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual disabilities.
Headquartered in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, our association is committed to building a strong and inclusive sports ecosystem where para athletes can train, compete, and excel at state, national, and international levels.
Through competitions, coaching camps, training programs, and talent identification initiatives, PSAO strives to empower athletes and promote the values of courage, determination, and sportsmanship.
We develop customized adaptive sports programs structured around the individual needs of each para-athlete, promoting both accessibility and holistic development.
From Odisha to every corner of the country, our outreach initiatives and digital mentorship programs connect and support aspiring para-athletes throughout India.
At PSAO, we are committed to nurturing potential rather than defining individuals by their limitations. Officially recognized by the Government of India and affiliated with the Paralympic Committee of India, we actively promote sporting opportunities for individuals with physical, visual, and intellectual disabilities. Headquartered in Odisha, our mission is to cultivate an inclusive and empowering sports ecosystem throughout India.
Actively advocating to strengthen infrastructure and enhance resources for para-sports, while ensuring athletes receive the necessary support to succeed.
Delivering specialized training and development initiatives designed for athletes with disabilities, emphasizing skill advancement and preparedness for competitive performance.
Our association focuses on positioning individuals effectively, ensuring a thorough understanding of the rules, and developing strong competencies. Members acquire the knowledge and confidence required to deliver fair and precise judgments during crucial moments of competition.
If you have any questions prior to applying for membership with the Para Sports Association of Odisha, we are available and would be pleased to discuss how you can become involved with our organization.
Our association emphasizes timely positioning, comprehensive knowledge of the rules, and the development of strong technical abilities. Members build the competence and confidence required to make impartial and accurate decisions during decisive moments in competition.
Our association is built on effective positioning, a thorough understanding of the rules, and the continuous refinement of key skills. We equip our members with the knowledge and confidence needed to make objective and accurate decisions at pivotal stages of competition.
Our association is founded on strategic positioning, a comprehensive command of the rules, and the continuous development of essential skills. Through this approach, members cultivate the proficiency and confidence required to deliver fair, precise, and well-informed decisions during crucial moments in competition.
Our association prioritizes optimal positioning, a thorough command of the game’s regulations, and the consistent development of strong competencies. Members develop the expertise and confidence needed to render fair, precise decisions during pivotal phases of competition.
Our association focuses on strategic positioning, a comprehensive understanding of the game’s rules, and the continuous refinement of core skills. Through this foundation, members acquire the knowledge and confidence required to make impartial and accurate decisions at decisive moments in competition.
“Being a part of the PSAO has transformed my journey as a para athlete. The guidance, dedicated support, and constant encouragement from PSAO have given me the confidence to compete at the highest levels and proudly represent both Odisha and India on the international stage. Every milestone and achievement in my career reflects the unwavering belief and commitment that PSAO has shown in me. I am truly grateful to be a part of this inspiring family and look forward to achieving many more milestones together.”
“I began my Para Fencing journey in 2019, and joining the PSAO has been one of the most important milestones in my career. PSAO believed in me, provided me with the right opportunities, and supported my growth at every stage. Because of their guidance and encouragement, I had the privilege of representing India at the Para Asian Games, the Para Fencing World Championships, and the World Cup. I have also won more than 30 above medals at the National Championships."
After my spinal cord injury, coming in contact with the Para Sports Association of Odisha (PSAO) marked a turning point in my life. Through PSAO, I discovered my passion for Para Athletics in the F55 Javelin Throw event and received invaluable guidance, training, and encouragement. I will continue working hard, win more medals, and make Odisha and India proud on the national and international stage. My sincere gratitude to PSAO for believing in me and supporting me throughout this journey.
PSAO entered my life when sport felt more like a distant dream than a real possibility. As a Boccia player with a locomotor disability, I had determination but lacked opportunity PSAO became that turning point. It did not see my disability first it saw my potential . Competing under PSAO strengthened my confidence and self-belief. My goal is to excel nationally and internationally, proving that when opportunity meets determination, limitations become milestones.
I'm a Boccia player with a locomotor disability. PSAO gave my sporting journey clarity and purpose. With their support, I learned structure, discipline, and belief through regular training and competition. PSAO created equal opportunities and treated every athlete with dignity. Each experience strengthened my mindset and performance. I express heartfelt thanks to PSAO for standing beside me. I aim to represent Boccia at national and international platforms and demonstrate that consistent support can transform determination into success for future generations of para athletes.

Pramod Bhagat is one of India’s greatest para badminton champions and the first sportsperson from Odisha to receive the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna

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