KIIT University Shines: 12 Students Selected for Paris Olympics 2024

Bhubaneswar, July 20, 2024: In a historic achievement, 12 students from KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT-DU), Bhubaneswar, have been selected to represent India at the Paris Olympics 2024, which commences on July 26. This remarkable accomplishment has not only brought immense pride to the university but also positioned KIIT as the first university in India to send such a large contingent of athletes to the Olympic Games.

In celebration of this milestone, a special programme was held in Bhubaneswar, where Dr. Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, congratulated the athletes and announced a cash reward of Rs 7 lakh for each of them. Dr. Samanta encouraged the students to give their best performance and bring glory to the nation. “Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this prestigious stage,” he said.

All 12 athletes, currently training in various camps across Europe, joined the programme virtually. The selected athletes and their respective events are:

• Amit Rohidas in Men’s Hockey
• Kishore Kumar Jena in Javelin Throw
• Parul Chaudhary in 3000m Steeplechase & 5000m
• Priyanka in 20km Race Walk & Marathon Race Walk Mixed Relay
• Annu Rani in Javelin Throw
• Jyothi Yarraji in 100m Hurdles
• Tajinderpal Singh Toor in Shot Put
• Abha Khatua in Shot Put
• Prachi in the 4x400m Relay Team
• Ankita in 5000m
• Paramjeet Singh Bisht in 20km Race Walk
• Suraj Panwar in the Marathon Race Walk Mixed Relay Team

Speaking to journalists, Dr. Samanta highlighted the unique achievement of KIIT & KISS, noting that the institution is the first in India to send the highest number of players to the Olympics. He proudly mentioned that KIIT & KISS have produced 20 Olympians and 2 Paralympians who represented India at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Now, students from the university will again represent the country at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Dr. Samanta also expressed pride in the university’s seven students who have received the Arjuna Award for their exceptional merit. “We are happy that 12 students from KIIT are participating in the Paris Olympics 2024, making us and the country proud. Give your best and shine with your achievements. The entire KIIT & KISS family stands behind you, cheering you,” he added.

The selected athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, securing their places among the world’s elite in their respective sports. The event also saw the presence of notable dignitaries, including Prof. Baljit Singh Sekhon, Joint Secretary of Sports & Youth Affairs, AIU; Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor of KIIT-DU; Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar of KIIT-DU; Sanjaya Kumar Garnaik, Chief Athletic Coach; and Dr. Gaganendu Dash, Director General of Sports & Yoga, KIIT-DU.

This landmark achievement underscores KIIT’s commitment to fostering excellence in sports and its role in shaping the future of Indian athletics on the global stage.