BHUBANESWAR: Internationally acclaimed Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has added another feather to his cap by winning the Russian Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 at the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture in the Kaliningrad Region.
With this achievement, he became the first Indian artist to win the prestigious event.
The Odia artist shared the news with his thousands of followers on X.
“Honoured to receive the Russian Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 at the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture in Kaliningrad, Russia, for my work highlighting the global issue of climate change and global warming. Proud to be the first Indian sand artist to receive this prestigious recognition. Sincerely grateful to the organisers, jury members, and everyone who has supported and encouraged my artistic journey,” the Padma Shri awardee said in a post on X.
Pattnaik’s work on the global issue of climate change and global warming impressed the jury, which unanimously decided to honour him.
The Odia artist received the Grand Sand Master Cup and medal from General Director Alena Aleksandrovna in the presence of government officials, cultural representatives, and other international guests, according to reports.
Twelve of the world’s leading sand sculptors from different countries displayed their large-scale artworks on various themes at the festival.
Pattnaik has consistently brought glory to the nation through his remarkable works, which often focus on issues such as climate change, the environment, peace, and human emotions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo congratulated Pattnaik on winning the prestigious event, saying “his triumph is not just personal – it is a celebration of Odisha’s cultural pride shining on the world stage.”
