Bhubaneswar: As many as 14 talented athletes from KIIT and KISS will represent India at the forthcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The KIIT and KISS sportspersons who will showcase their skills in the mega continental events are — CA Bhavani Devi, Amit Rohidas, Sajan Prakash, Anshika Bharti, Priyanka, Sandeep Kumar, Kishore Kumar Jena, Tejinderpal Singh Toor, Dumuni Marndi, Tarulata Naik, Mama Naik, Hupi Majhi, Tejaswin Shankar and Amlan Borgahain — informed Dr Gaganendu Dash, DG Sports, KIIT.
Fencer Bhavani will take part in women’s Sabre and team Sabre events, Rohidas will spearhead the defence line of men’s hockey team, swimmer Sajan Prakash will look to make waves in the pool, while Anshika Bharti will participate in women’s Lightweight Double Scull rowing.
In track and field, Priyanka and Sandeep will represent India in 20 km women’s and men’s Race Walk events, respectively, while Kishore Kumar Jena and Tejinderpal Singh Toor will compete in Javelin and Shot Put, respectively. Tejaswin Shankar will eye a medal in Decathlon, while Amlan Borgahain will look to make an impression in men’s 200m.
The Rugby 7s women’s team has as many as four members from KIIT and KISS — Dumuni, Tarulata, Mama and and Hupi.
The Asian Games will be held from September 23 to October 8.
Congratulating the athletes, KIIT & KISS Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta said that they are not a source of pride for the institutes only, but for entire Odisha. He praised the unwavering support of Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik in promoting sports and athletes.
Dr Samanta highlighted the significant role played by KIIT and KISS in promoting sports, building world-class sporting infrastructure and being instrumental in producing over 5,000 athletes who have excelled at regional, national and international levels.
KIIT has also produced 13 Olympians — Dutee Chand (athletics), Bhavani Devi (fencing), Priyanka (athletics), Rohidas (hockey), Srabani Nanda (athletics), Shivpal Singh (athletics), Sajan (swimming), Lilima Minz (hockey), Sunita Lakra (hockey), Toor (athletics), Sandeep (athletics), and Paralympians Praveen Kumar and Kashish Lakra.
According to a KIIT press release, it’s the only university in India with such a remarkable roster.
