Mangaluru : Writer Usha P Rai, who has several literary works to her credit, and sportswoman Shreema Priyadarshini, who has represented the country in many Asian events, have been selected for the ‘Abbakka Award’ for the year 2019-20.

Announcing this after releasing an invitation for the ‘Abbakka Utsav’ in memory of the 16th century Tuluva queen who fought the Portuguese, Karnataka Fisheries Minister, and district-in-charge Kota Srinivas Poojary said Pai and Priyadarshini have made a significant contribution in their respective fields.

Pai has several literary works, including short stories, novels, and poems, to her credit and has won several honors such as the Kannada Sahitya Parishad Award.

Priyadarshini too has won many national and international awards between 2002 and 2018 in various events like 100-meter hurdles, heptathlon and discus throw.

Besides, she had represented the country in SAARC games, SAF games, Asian star meet, and Asian Grand Prix.

The awards would be presented at the valedictory function of the two-day Utsav to be held near here on February 29 and March 1.

The Utsav is being organized by the Department of Kannada and Culture.