Bhubaneswar: KIIT Deemed to be University and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) have been awarded Biju Patnaik Sports Award for ‘Best contribution for the promotion of sports and games’ on the occasion of National Sports Day, on August 29, 2019.
On behalf of the two institutions, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS received the award, which carries a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, from Shri Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha at a special function in Bhubaneswar.
Expressing happiness over the achievement, Dr. Samanta said, “KIIT & KISS have been laying equal importance to sports and academics since their inception. The institutions have created world-class sports infrastructures and engaged professional trainers and coaches in multiple sports disciplines”.
KIIT and KISS students have been participating in various national and international sports meets and bringing laurels to the state and country, Dr. Samanta said.
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Now the focus is on grooming more sportspersons from the two institutes for the 2024 Olympics, he added.
KIIT student Dutee Chand and KISS students Bhagyalaxmi Barik were also awarded on this occasion. They received Rs. 4.66 lakh and Rs. 3.40 lakh respectively.
The function was also graced by Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister, Shri Tusharkanti Behera, Youth Welfare Board Working President Shri Bijay Nayak, Sports Secretary Shri Vishal Dev and Sports Director Shri Vineel Krishna.
Biju Patnaik Sports Award is the highest award instituted by Odisha Government since 2001-2002.
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