The KIIT Deemed University and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) were awarded the Biju Patnaik Sports Award for ‘Best contribution for promotion of sports and games’ on the National Sports Day on Thursday.
On behalf of the two institutions, KIIT & KISS founder Dr Achyuta Samanta received the award carrying a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a special function here. Dr Samanta said, “KIIT & KISS have been laying equal importance to sports and academics since their inceptions. The institutions have created world-class sports infrastructures and engaged professional trainers and coaches in multiple sports disciplines.”
KIIT and KISS students have been participating in various national and international sports meets, he pointed out, adding that now the focus is on grooming more sportspersons from the two institutes for the 2024 Olympics.