By Our Sports Affairs Bureau
BHUBANESWAR: The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) deemed to be University has given final touches to host few events out of 17 different events Khelo India University Games. Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Odisha Government have provided all kinds of support and cooperation to make the event a huge success.
“Odisha certainly is going to script a new history in the Indian sports”, said Achyuta Samanta, BJD Lok Sabha MP from Kandhamal and Founder of KIIT and KISS at a press meet in Bhubaneswar. Among others, Parminder Singh Ahluwalia, Coordinator, IAU for Khelo India; Somesh Upadhyay of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, Samita Samanta, the Pro-VC and joint Chief Executive Officer of KIUG; Gaganendu Dash, Member Advisory Council and Director Sports, KIIT Deemed to be University; Olympian and KIIT student Dutee Chand and Rutuparna Panda, Indian badminton player were present.
There will be 17 different events in Khleo India from 21st February to 1st March, out of which 2 events will be conducted at Kalinga Stadium, another 2 events at JNL Indoor Stadium. The Inaugural event will be held at JNL Indoor Stadium, Cuttack. KIIT has taken the beautification and renovation measures in its surroundings area and roads in view of this mega event. As many as 100 participants from KIIT Deemed to be University are taking part in different events of Khleo India.
“The Prime Minister has been encouraging sports in a big way. As a result, university students are now showing interest in sports”, Dr Samant said adding he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and particularly the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Kiren Rijiju.
During the KIUG, more than 4000 athletes and 1000 officials from approximately 200 universities across the country will be accommodated at KIIT. KIIT is providing twin-seater air-conditioned rooms with attached bath to the athletes. “KIIT has always been promoting sports and sportsperson, so we have left no stone unturned to host such a coveted Grand Sports Meet successfully. To shape our dream, the officials and staff of KIIT have been working diligently day in and day out under our guidance. Apart from boarding at KIIT, we have made meticulous arrangements how the players will be given a basketful of fresh fruits every morning”, he added.
