Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday, June 1, 2026, expressed pride after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the journey and achievements of Odisha-born track athlete Animesh Kujur on the monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat. The Chief Minister called it a moment of 'pride and honour' for all of Odisha.

Context

In his post, CM Majhi wrote that the Prime Minister's recognition of Animesh Kujur's 'struggle-filled journey and success' on Mann ki Baat ('ମନ୍ କି ବାତ୍') was 'an extraordinary moment of pride and glory for all Odisha residents.' He added that Kujur had 'set records at the national level through sheer willpower and hard work,' establishing the state's sporting talent on a national stage.

The Chief Minister also expressed his wishes for the young athlete's 'bright future,' calling Kujur's 'dedication, perseverance, and success a strong source of inspiration for many young sportspersons in the days to come.'

Policy Backdrop

Mann ki Baat is a monthly radio address broadcast on All India Radio, launched by PM Modi in October 2014, in which the Prime Minister highlights grassroots achievements, citizen success stories, and governance milestones from across the country. The programme has periodically spotlighted athletes from non-metro states, drawing national attention to regional talent.

Separately, the Khelo India programme, initiated in 2017, was designed to identify and support talented athletes from regions including Odisha. The state has simultaneously expanded its sports infrastructure and academy network, aiming to convert individual successes into sustained state-level competitiveness.

Stakeholders and Impact

Animesh Kujur, a track athlete from Odisha, is recognised for setting national-level records and for an inspirational journey from humble beginnings. His mention in Mann ki Baat places him among a select group of regional athletes who have received direct acknowledgement from the Prime Minister on a national platform.

For Odisha's young sporting community, the moment carries symbolic weight. Central visibility of this kind typically reinforces state government investment in athletics coaching centres and talent pipelines, benefiting aspiring athletes across the state.

What's Next

Attention will now turn to Animesh Kujur's participation in upcoming national and international athletic meets, where sustained performance will determine whether this recognition translates into long-term institutional support. Observers will also watch Odisha's upcoming budget allocations for athletics infrastructure and coaching centres.

For CM Majhi, the episode reinforces a broader political narrative linking the state's sports ambitions with central government recognition — a dynamic that could shape future policy conversations around athlete development funding in Odisha.