The Business Bytes
BHUBANESWAR, JULY 18, 2024 (TBB BUREAU): KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT-DU), Bhubaneswar, has achieved a significant milestone as twelve of its students have successfully qualified to participate in the Paris Olympics 2024, slated to commence on July 26. This accomplishment marks a proud moment for the institution, which emerges as the leading university in India by sending the largest contingent of athletes to the prestigious event.
Among the distinguished qualifiers are: Amit Rohidas (Men’s Hockey), Kishore Kumar Jena (Javelin Throw), Parul Chaudhary (3000m Steeplechase & 5000m), Priyanka (20-km Race Walk & Marathon Race Walk Mixed Relay), Annu Rani (Javelin Throw), Jyothi Yarraji (100m Hurdles), Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Shot Put), Abha Khatua (Shot Put), Prachi (4x400m Relay Team), Ankita (5000m), Paramjeet Singh Bisht (20-km Race Walk), and Suraj Panwar (Marathon Race Walk Mixed Relay Team).
KIIT and KISS Founder Achyuta Samanta has announced a commendable reward of Rs. 7 lakh for each athlete to support and motivate them in their pursuit of excellence on the global stage. Samanta praised their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the importance of their representation in such a prestigious international event.
Speaking at a special program held in Bhubaneswar, Samanta expressed his pride in KIIT-DU being the first organization in India to send the highest number of players to the Olympics. He highlighted KIIT & KISS’s legacy of producing Olympians, including those who participated in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and now the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.
“We are thrilled that 12 students from KIIT will be competing at the Paris Olympics 2024, bringing glory to our institution and the nation. Show your best performance and illuminate the world with your achievements. The entire KIIT & KISS family stands firmly behind you, cheering for your success,” Samanta remarked.
The athletes, currently undergoing rigorous training camps across Europe, participated in the program virtually. The event was attended by Baljit Singh Sekhon, Jt. Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs, AIU; Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU; Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT-DU; Sanjaya Kumar Garnaik, Chief Athletic Coach; and Gaganendu Dash, Director General, Sports & Yoga, KIIT-DU.
These talented individuals have exemplified extraordinary skill and determination, earning their places among the world’s elite athletes in their respective disciplines. As they prepare to represent India at the Paris Olympics, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a proud nation.
