Seven KIIT alumni and students who are Olympians, sprinter Dutee Chand, fencer CA Bhavani Devi, javelin thrower Shivpal Singh and hockey stars Birendra Lakra, Amit Rohidas, Deep Grace Ekka and Namita Toppo were felicitated by the KIIT & KISS at a special ceremony on Saturday in the presence of Dilip Tirkey, Chairman, Hockey Promotional Board, Odisha; Rahul Bose, actor, director, writer and Board Member of Rugby India; and Dr Achyuta Samanta, founder, KIIT & KISS.The Olympians were given financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each. Coaches Amulya Nanda Bihari, Raju Sahani, and Bijay Lakra were also honoured.
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.