Fifteen students of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, have made it to the Paris Olympics 2024, the founder of the institute said.

“Fifteen of them are pursuing various courses in the institute. One of them participated in hockey while the rest were athletes, including one in javelin throw. Amit Rohidas was part of the Indian men’s hockey team,” said Achyuta Samanta, founder, KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) and KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences).

Samanta added the institute promotes sports and with these 15 sportspersons, the total number of Olympians from the Bhubaneswar-based institute so far is 24.

There have been nine others, students and alumni, who have participated in the Olympics in the past.

“For those participating in the Paris Olympics 2024, the institute has given them Rs 7 lakh each. Those who come back with a medal will be given an apartment,” said Samanta.

KIIT has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), with the United Nations Volunteers that provides opportunities to volunteer and mobilizes volunteers in different countries.

This will provide the students an opportunity to engage with various UN agencies for example Unesco, Unicef or any other as volunteers, said Samanta.

“This internship and volunteering opportunity will provide the students with professional experience in international development...,” said a release from the institute.

Grammy award winner composer Ricky Kej has created a “monumental version of the Indian National Anthem” featuring performances by music legends.

This version, which also has 14,000 children from KISS performing a choir, will be released on August 14, on the eve of Independence Day. It was announced at a programme on Sunday evening.