KIIT University Announces Two State-of-the-Art High-Performance Centres for Archery and Cricket – Ushering a New Era in Sports Excellence!”
Bhubaneswar ; KIIT Deemed to be University proudly inaugurated the All India Inter-University Archery (Men & Women) and Yogasana (Men & Women) Championships 2024-25 on 24th December 2024 under the esteemed aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi. The championships, scheduled from 24th to 27th December for Archery and 24th to 28th December for Yogasana, have attracted over 7,000 student-athletes from universities across India, marking a significant milestone in university-level sports.
Amidst this grand sporting event, KIIT announced the establishment of two High-Performance Centres for Archery and Cricket: Archery High-Performance Centre: In collaboration with the DRB Foundation, guided by legendary archers Ms. Dola Banerjee (Former World Champion & Arjuna Awardee) and Mr. Rahul Banerjee (Olympian & Arjuna Awardee). Cricket High-Performance Centre: Partnering with the esteemed Delhi Capitals, one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL).These centres aim to provide world-class training, coaching, and opportunities for talented athletes, with a particular emphasis on nurturing local talent from Odisha.
The announcement was officially made by Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Hon’ble Founder of KIIT, KISS & KIMS, in the presence of Prof. Baljit Singh Sekhon, Joint Secretary (Sports), AIU, New Delhi, Ms. Dola Banerjee, Former World Champion & Arjuna Awardee in Archery, Mr. Rahul Banerjee, Olympian & Arjuna Awardee in Archery & Mr. Pratik Puri, Operational Director, Delhi Capitals
In her speech, Ms. Dola Banerjee expressed gratitude to Prof. Achyuta Samanta for creating exceptional sports facilities and encouraged athletes to remain dedicated to their craft.
Prof. Baljit Singh Sekhon appreciated KIIT University’s consistent support towards hosting major sports events and coaching camps for Indian university teams.
Mr. Rahul Banerjee assured full technical support through the DRB Foundation and highlighted KIIT’s advanced sports infrastructure.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Achyuta Samanta reaffirmed KIIT’s unwavering commitment to empowering young sports talents to represent India in International Championships and the Olympics. He emphasized that these two academies, supported by Ms. Dola Banerjee, Mr. Rahul Banerjee, and the Delhi Capitals management, would be transformative.
Mr. Pratik Puri, Operational Director of Delhi Capitals, emphasized their dedication, with support from JSW GMR Cricket Private Limited, to provide young cricketers with opportunities in prestigious tournaments and exposure in County Cricket in London, UK.
The grand opening ceremony, held at the KIIT International Cricket Stadium, was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Captain Shamresh Singh, Two-Time Olympic Hockey Medallist, Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU, Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT-DU , Dr. Gaganendu Dash, Organizing Secretary & Director General of Sports & Yoga, KIIT & KISS.This historic initiative by KIIT University stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for budding archers and cricketers across the nation, particularly in Eastern India.
