I dedicate the award to the combined efforts of all students and staff members of KIIT: Dr Achyuta Samanta

Khel Today Bureau

New Delhi: KIIT has been conferred the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2022. The award was given away by President Draupadi Murmu. The award has been given in recognition of KIIT – Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology’s sustained focus towards the development of sports since its inception.

This award was received by Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT.

He said, “Heartfelt thanks to Government of India for bestowing this honour. Along with education, we have strengthened sports and sports-related infrastructure.The encouragement and support of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik towards sports have also inspired KIIT to develop and take sports to the next level in Odisha.”

“I dedicate the award to the combined efforts of all students and staff members of KIIT. KIIT has been at the forefront of the promotion of sports for over 22 years. It has established a distinct identity for itself across the globe due to its state-of-the-art sports infrastructure and for grooming Olympians.”

The University has sponsored the education and training of hundreds of sportspersons over the years. KIIT has produced many elite athletes including Olympians such as Dutee Chand (Arjuna Awardee), Olympian CA Bhavani Devi (Arjuna Awardee), Olympian Shivpal Singh, Olympian Amit Rohidas (Arjuna Awardee).