Nabarangpur,19th Nov 2025: Jagannath Saksha (20), a visually impaired youth from Patia Guda Panchayat in Ratakhundiguda block of Nabarangpur district, has shone in the state-level parawalking competition. Jagannath won the gold medal in this competition, bringing pride to the district. Following his success, the district capable institution president Sujit Rath and secretary Suresh Shastri felicitated him with flowers.
For context, the state-level differently-abled parawalking competition was organized at Kalinga Stadium on October 24 and 25. Over a hundred boys and girls participated in the event. Jagannath excelled by completing the 50-meter breaststroke walk in under one minute, earning first place and receiving the gold medal.
Earlier, he played for the Koraput cricket team and gained recognition as an all-rounder. He also contributed to his team’s ninth championship victory. In 2024-25, he won a bronze medal in the 400-meter race. Despite being visually impaired, Jagannath is a talented and promising young athlete. He is not only active in sports but also excels academically. Currently, he is studying Odia honors at Vikramdev University in Jaypur.
Born visually impaired, Jagannath completed his matriculation at Koraput Blind School and then pursued a two-subject course at Vikramdev University, Jaypur. He now studies Odia honors. He comes from a poor family of marginal farmers in the Upanta region. Despite financial hardship, his family has persevered. Jagannath has a clear goal: to support his struggling parents if he receives any government assistance.
Jagannath’s family includes his parents, three brothers, and one sister-in-law. They have only one acre of cultivable land for six members. To expand their cultivation, they have also acquired five acres of land through joint arrangements. The government provides him with 30 kg of rice and a monthly disability allowance of ₹3,500. Despite this support, he personally bears travel expenses when participating in various sports competitions.
District officials and the state government have taken note of his achievements. Experts believe that Jagannath will serve as an inspiring example for other differently-abled individuals in the future.
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