17 KIIT athletes honored for participation in Paris Olympics and Paralympics: A grand felicitation ceremony A celebration of dedication, discipline, and victory
Bhubaneswar, Sept 22: Victory of tenacity and sheer will-power is what stayed in mind as KIIT-DU organized a grand alumni meet to pay homage to its students who made it to the storied walls of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Here, victory was not in the athletic field alone but a testament to the strong coalescence of education and sports-two aspects married so beautifully in the vision of the university.
Chairman Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the Visionary Founder of KIIT led the proceedings and created an inspiring environment in which stories and achievements of athletes would be celebrated. The participant was not only an athlete but also a symbol of the ability of the nation, carrying values of excellence on international stages.
Big Rewards, Bigger Recognition
Therefore, to appreciate the efforts of these 15 Olympians and 2 Paralympians, cash prizes of Rs 7 lakh were bestowed upon each one of them, and gestures of appreciation were given by their university. Special salutations were made to Amit Rohidas (hockey) and Pravin Kumar (para-high jump) who made their country proud by bringing medals back home.
These athletes are the backbone of KIIT's success in sports. Their victories ring the bell in our mission to nurture talent that shines not only in academics but also in sports. We are immensely proud to have the largest representation of athletes from any Indian university at the Olympics. The institution has set itself up as a powerhouse of athletic talent with 20 Olympians and 2 Paralympians emerging from its ranks.
Meet the Champions
Here’s a quick look at some of the athletes who did us all proud at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics:
- Amit Rohidas (Hockey)
- Kishore Kumar Jena and Annu Rani (Javelin Throw)
- Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Shot Put)
- Parul Choudhary (5000m Steeplechase)
- Jyothi Yarraji (100m Hurdles)
- Priyanka (20km Race Walk)
- Prachi and MR Poovamma (4x400m Relay)
- Paramjeet Singh Bisht, Akshdeep Singh, Vikash Singh (20km Race Walk)
- Ankita (5000m Run)
- Rampal and Praveen Kumar (Para-athletes, High Jump)
More Than Just Medals
The event also paid tributes to the winners who acquired medals in the recently concluded 2024 South Asian Championship and the state-level weightlifting championship proving that the competitive spirit is very much alive and well within KIIT.
Infrastructural excellence and support
Speaking at the event, Amit Rohidas shared his heartfelt gratitude: "KIIT and KISS have some of the best sports infrastructures in the country, unmatched anywhere in India. The support we receive is invaluable, and it has always allowed us to compete with confidence.".
Sporting legends of Odisha, Dutee Chand, and Anuradha Biswal, attended the function and voiced their solidarity with the talented young athletes. KIIT's Director of Sports and Yoga Dr. Gaganendu Dash addressed the athletes, while Upendra Mohanty, advisor to KIIT & KISS Sports, also graced the occasion. Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor of KIIT, accompanied by Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Debashis Bandyopadhyay and other academics, elevated the significance of the event.
An Institution with a Vision
Prof. Singh and the accompanying dignitaries appreciated the efforts of Dr. Samanta in making sure that sports and education go hand in hand. KIIT, driven by sports facilities of international standards, and rich academic full-profile programs, continues to push young athletes toward international glory.
As Seth Godin rightly says, "People don't buy goods and services. They buy relationships, stories, and magic." And that is the magic in KIIT-or to equip not merely athletes but the belief that their story matters and that their journey forms the inspiration for generations to come.
Takeaway: Where Sports Meet Excellence.
The celebration was not just about the medals or laurels. It was a grand reminder of how the institutions, like KIIT, do not only invest in careers but shape and build champions who carry the torch of Indian sportsmanship onto the world stage.
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