The twin campuses of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) are deeply infused with a passion for sports. Located about eight kilometers from the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, which is emerging as India’s 'Sports Capital,' these institutions have become the foremost choice for elite athletes across the nation. They boast the most comprehensive sports infrastructure among educational institutions in India and proudly claim 20 Olympians and seven Arjuna Award-winning athletes among their alumni. Since 1997, particularly after 2005, KIIT and KISS have adhered to the principle of investing in youth and sports as a pathway to a brighter future. They have championed sports promotion, athlete development, and the construction of state-of-the-art sports facilities, setting a benchmark for other universities in India. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT and KISS, recognized early on the significance of sports investment, akin to Western universities. Under his guidance, KIIT and KISS have constructed sports facilities that meet international standards, a vision that Dr. Samanta personally oversaw despite not having the chance to pursue sports during his youth.
KIIT has achieved a remarkable milestone with 15 students qualifying for the Paris Olympics starting July 26, marking the highest number of participants from any Indian institution in the 2024 Olympics. The qualified athletes include Amit Rohidas in Men’s Hockey, Kishore Kumar Jena in Javelin Throw, and several others in various disciplines. KIIT-KISS offers the most extensive sports infrastructure among all government and private institutes, featuring a BCCI-approved cricket stadium, an FIH-certified hockey stadium, and numerous other world-class facilities. Currently, over 5000 active sportspersons, including 60% girls, are part of KIIT & KISS, with 20 Olympians and seven Arjuna Awardees among them. KIIT students have notably contributed to India’s exceptional performance at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, securing four medals.
KIIT & KISS have also been the venue for numerous high-profile international and national sports events, including the World Junior Chess Championship 2016 and the first Khelo India event in 2020. Dr. Achyuta Samanta has been instrumental in promoting sports like Rugby and Chess in Odisha, partnering with organizations like the Indian Rugby Football Union and the International Volleyball Federation for grassroots and high-performance development. KIIT’s dedication to sports has garnered significant national and international recognition, including the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2022 and the CII Sports Business Awards 2023.
