: The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) on Wednesday was conferred the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2022 for its outstanding contribution towards the development of sports.

Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr Achyuta Samanta received the award from President Draupadi Murmu in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Not only the institution has produced elite athletes like Olympians Dutee Chand (Arjuna Awardee-sprinter), Olympian CA Bhavani Devi (Arjuna Awardee-fencer), Olympian Shivpal Singh (javelin thrower), Olympian Amit Rohidas (Arjuna Awardee Hockey player), it has also organised a number of national sports events including Khelo India University Games 2020, national weightlifting championship 2022`.

The institution has been able to rope in FIFA to launch its “Football For All” programme in Odisha under which 43,000 footballs were distributed in 2000 schools of the state in October.

Expressing his gratitude to the President and Govt of India for bestowing KIIT with the honour, Dr Samanta said the award has been given in recognition of KIIT’s sustained focus towards the development of sports since its inception.

“Along with education, we have strengthened sports and sports-related infrastructure. The encouragement and support of Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik towards sports have also inspired KIIT to develop and take sports to the next level in Odisha,” said Dr Samanta, adding the moment is a matter of pride and joy for KIIT.

Expressing her happiness, Olympian Dutee Chand told The Telegraph, “Its because of the KIIT, I have reached this position. I came to this institution in 2013. They have made me what I am today. All the sports infrastructures are available here. Besides, it motivates and supports the youths to become stars.”