Bhubaneswar: KIIT and KISS has fielded a record 54 student‑athletes for India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya 2026, the largest contingent from any Indian university.
The group includes 45 athletes in Athletics and nine across Fencing, Rowing, Cycling, Hockey, Swimming and Rugby, nearly four times the size of their 2023 representation. Medal winners from the last edition — Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Amit Rohidas, Kishore Kumar Jena and Tejaswin Shankar — return, with Toor named India’s flagbearer alongside Manu Bhaker.
The contingent also underscores Odisha’s rising sporting influence, with nine athletes from the state, including tribal talents in Hockey, Rowing, Cycling and Rugby.
Founder Prof (Dr) Achyuta Samanta congratulated the athletes and pledged continued support with world‑class facilities and coaching. “A very proud moment for our KIIT & KISS family as 54 of our student-athletes will represent India at the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Japan,” he posted on X.
The athletes vowed to bring laurels to India at the Games.
A very proud moment for our KIIT & KISS family as 54 of our student-athletes will represent India at the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Japan.
From 14 athletes at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou to 54 this time, this journey makes me very happy. Our KIITians and… pic.twitter.com/mF8ksZEnOM
— Achyuta Samanta (@achyuta_samanta) September 19, 2026
KIIT‑KISS Medal Hopefuls
Athletics
Tajinderpal Singh Toor – Shot Put (Gold medallist, 2023; India’s flagbearer)
Kishore Kumar Jena – Javelin Throw (Silver medallist, 2023)
M Shreeshankar – Long Jump (national record holder, consistent podium contender)
Praveen Chithravel – Triple Jump (Asian Championships medallist)
Tejaswin Shankar – Decathlon (Silver medallist, 2023)
Jyothi Yarraji – 100m Hurdles (Asian record holder, rising star)
Parul Chaudhary – 3000m Steeplechase (Asian Games finalist, World Championships qualifier)
Srabani Nanda – Sprint (veteran sprinter, multiple international medals)
Ancy Sojan – Long Jump (emerging talent with strong national performances)
Hockey
Amit Rohidas – Men’s Hockey (Gold medallist, 2023; key defender for India)
Other Disciplines
Animesh Kujur – Cycling (national champion, promising international prospect)
Sunelita Toppo & Mama Naik – Women’s Rugby (tribal athletes breaking new ground).
