Bhubaneswar: Ajay Kumar Mandra, a student of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), has been selected in the Indian Kho Kho team for the First International Kho-Kho tournament to be held in England from September 1 to 4.
A Plus II second year Arts student, he is a native of Mudulipada in tribal-dominated Malakangiri district. He belongs to the Bonda tribe. His father, Buda Mandra and mother Chhanki Mandra are very poor and manage their family by working as daily wage labourers.
Ajay had earlier participated in the 21st East Zone Senior National Kho-Kho Championship; 63rd National School Game 2017-18; 50th Senior National Kho-Kho Championship-2016-17; 49th Senior National Kho-Kho Championship-2016-17; National level Rural Sports Competitions; 35th Junior National Kho-Kho Championship-2015; 60th National School Games 2014-15 and 25th Sub-Junior National Kho-Kho Championship 2013-14 respectively.
He will leave for UK on August 30.
Expressing satisfaction over Ajay’s selection in the Indian Kho Kho team, Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS said, it is a matter of pride for KISS and the entire tribal community. “Today, KIIT & KISS produce hundreds of national and international players due to the ultra-modern sports infrastructure along with experienced coaches and trainers. KIIT and KISS have all along lent support to various sports and sportspersons,” he added.
