Bhubaneswar: The city-based KIIT and KISS Universities on Saturday felicitated the Olympians from Odisha who represented the country in the Tokyo Olympics this year.
KIIT students and Olympian sprinter Dutee Chand, fencer C A Bhavani Devi, javelin thrower Shivpal Singh and hockey stars Birendra Lakra, Amit Rohidas, Deep Grace Ekka and Namita Toppo were felicitated by KIIT & KISS at a special ceremony in KIIT.
They were felicitated in the presence of Dilip Tirkey, Chairman of Hockey Promotional Board in Odisha, Rahul Bose, Bollywood actor and board member of Rugby India and Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT & KISS.
The seven Olympians were given financial assistance worth Rs 1 Lakh each for their outstanding performance. Coaches Amulya Nanda Bihari, Raju Sahani, and Bijay Lakra were also honoured on the occasion.
Olympians and Hockey players Sunita Lakra and Lilima Minz are now pursuing their higher education in KIIT, while international Hockey players Dipsan Tirkey and Sarita Hanuman, junior international Hockey player Stanli Victor Minz, international athlete (800m) Namita Kobat, national-level athlete (javelin throw) Domonti Murmur are also pursuing their education in KIIT & KISS, informed Dr. Samanta.
Among others, Prof. Sasmita Samanta, Pro-VC, KIIT-DU, Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar and Dr. Gaganendu Dash, Director-Sports, KIIT & KISS were also present on the occasion.
Ms Kalinga