In a major achievement, 12 students from KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT-DU), Bhubaneswar, have been selected to represent India at the Paris Olympics 2024, beginning on July 26.
This achievement has brought immense pride and joy to the university. With this splendid achievement, KIIT has become the first university in the country to send such a large contingent of athletes to the Olympic games.
Speaking at a special programme in Bhubaneswar, Dr Achyata Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, congratulated the contingent of athletes from the university and announced a cash reward of Rs 7 Lakh for each of them. He also encouraged the students to give their best on the field and bring glory to the nation.
"Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this prestigious stage," said Dr Samanta.
All 12 players, currently in various camps in different countries of Europe, joined the programme virtually.
The athletes who have earned their spots are — Amit Rohidas in Men’s Hockey, Kishore Kumar Jena in Javelin Throw; Parul Chaudhary in 3000 m Steeple chase & 5000 m; Priyanka in 20 km Race Walk & Marathon Race Walk Mixed Relay; Annu Rani in Javelin Throw; Jyothi Yarraji in 100m Hurdles; Tajinderpal Singh Toor in Shot Put; Abha Khatua in Shot Put; Prachi in the 4x400m Relay Team; Ankita in 5000m; Paramjeet Singh Bisht in 20km Race Walk and Suraj Panwar in the Marathon Race Walk Mixed Relay Team.
Speaking to journalists Dr Samanta said that KIIT & KISS is the first organization in India to send the highest number of players to the Olympics. He also mentioned that KIIT & KISS have produced 20 Olympians and 2 Paralympians who had represented India at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Now the students from the university will be representing the country at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He added that the university is also proud of the seven students who have received the Arjun Award for their merit.
“We are happy that 12 students from KIIT are participating in the Paris Olympics 2024, making us and the country proud. Give your best and shine with your achievements. The entire KIIT & KISS family stands behind you, cheering you,” he added.
These talented athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, earning their places among the world's elite in their respective sports. Among others, Prof Baljit Singh Sekhon, Jt Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs, AIU; Prof Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU; Prof Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT-DU; Sanjaya Kumar Garnaik, Chief Athletic Coach; and Dr Gaganendu Dash, Director General, Sports & Yoga, KIIT-DU were also present at the event.
