KIIT-DU held a special event on Sunday to celebrate its students who represented India at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. The university’s founder, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, led the event, highlighting the athletes’ outstanding achievements and the importance of sports in education.
Each of the 17 athletes, including 15 Olympians and 2 Paralympians, was awarded Rs 7 lakh in recognition of their efforts. Dr. Samanta emphasized the institution’s significant role in nurturing sports talent, noting that KIIT sent the largest contingent of athletes to the Games, with 20 Olympians and 2 Paralympians among its ranks.
Special recognition was given to Amit Rohidas and Pravin Kumar for their medal-winning performances.
The honoured athletes included notable names like Amit Rohidas (hockey), Kishore Kumar Jena and Annu Rani (javelin throw), Tajinderpal Singh Toor (shot put), Parul Choudhary (5000m steeplechase), Jyothi Yarraji (100m hurdles), and more.
Additionally, athletes who earned medals at the 2024 South Asian Championship and state-level weightlifting championships were also celebrated.
Amit Rohidas expressed his gratitude, praising KIIT and KISS for their top-tier sports infrastructure and support. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Odisha’s star athletes Dutee Chand and Anuradha Biswal, along with KIIT officials who lauded Dr. Samanta’s dedication to fostering athletic excellence.
