Bhubaneswar: Sambalpur University emerged as the team champion in men’s category in the Odisha State Inter-University Sports Competition 2023-24 that concluded on Monday.
Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, which hosted the 5-day sports competition, secured the runner-up position in the category.
In women’s category, KIIT University emerged as the team champion and Sambalpur University secured the runner-up position. Cash prizes of Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 were handed over to the first, second and third rank holders respectively.
Speaking at the award ceremony of the competition, held at Biju Patnaik Sports Complex on Utkal University premises, Odisha’s ace sprinter Dutee Chand said, “Sports activities are as important as academics for growth of students. The future is not shaped by reading only. It is absolutely necessary to play along with reading. It is the sports that help create identity of an individual in life.”
Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University Prof Sabita Acharya, Registrar Kanhucharan Dhir and Director of Sports Council Bijaya Kumar Sundaray distributed the prizes to the winners. Kirti Ranjan Mallick conducted the closing programme.
The inter-university sports meet was organised by the Utkal University at Biju Patnaik Sports Complex and Kalinga Stadium with the financial support from Odisha State Higher Education Council and Higher Education department.
Around 20 universities took part in 13 sports categories including 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 meter race, javelin throw, discus throw, shot put throw, hurdles and relay race etc.
