KIIT Women’s Cricket Team Secures 4th Position in National University Inter-Zone Cricket Championship 2024–25
In a proud moment for Odisha and a groundbreaking achievement for university sports in the state, the KIIT University Women’s Cricket Team has made history by securing the 4th position in the National University Inter-Zone Cricket (Women) Championship 2024–25. This marks the first time any university from Odisha has reached this level in the prestigious national-level tournament, organized under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi, and hosted by KIIT & KISS, Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), held at the world-class KIIT International Cricket Stadium from April 2 to April 11 2025, the championship brought together 16 top women’s university teams from across the country, fostering a high level of competition and a platform for emerging cricketing talents.
In a tightly contested 3rd and 4th place playoff, KIIT University faced the University of Madras, where University of Madras won the match by 6 wickets, placing KIIT in the 4th position. The final match saw MDU Rohtak University clinch the championship, defeating University of Calicut by 6 runs.
Final Standings:
- Champion – MDU Rohtak University
- Runner-Up – University of Calicut
- Third Place – University of Madras
- Fourth Place – KIIT University
Glorious Valedictory Ceremony
The grand Valedictory Ceremony was held on April 11 at 6 PM at the KIIT International Cricket Stadium. The ceremony was graced by an array of distinguished guests, including:
- Shri G.E. Sridharan, Dronacharya Awardee and Coach of the Indian Volleyball Team (Chief Guest)
- Prof. (Dr.) Binu George Varghese, Director School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, MGU, Kottayam (Guest of Honour)
- Prof. (Dr.) Gaganendu Dash, Director General, Sports & Yoga, KIIT & KISS
- Shri Lalatendu Mishra, Director Sports, KIIT-DU
- Dr. Manmohan Rout, Professor Emeritus, KIIT School of Sports & Yogic Sciences
Prof. (Dr.) Gaganendu Dash delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting the role of KIIT in promoting sports, especially women’s cricket, while Chief Guest Shri G.E. Sridharan and Prof. (Dr.) Binu George Varghese inspired the athletes with their words of encouragement and appreciation.
Salute to Excellence
Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, congratulated the women’s cricket team on this historic feat, calling it a “proud moment for KIIT and for the entire state of Odisha.” He reaffirmed the institution’s mission to provide holistic support to sports and athletes, emphasizing that world-class infrastructure and continuous encouragement are key to such accomplishments.
The President of OCA, Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, and Secretary Shri Sanjay Behera also extended their congratulations, commending the KIIT team’s spirit, discipline, and impressive performance on a national platform.
The KIIT Women’s Cricket Team, filled with pride and gratitude, extended heartfelt thanks to Prof. Achyuta Samanta for his visionary leadership, constant encouragement, and unwavering support throughout their journey. They acknowledged his pivotal role in creating a nurturing environment where student-athletes are empowered to excel both on and off the field. The players expressed that his belief in their potential and his commitment to sports development at KIIT have been instrumental in their success. They credited this historic achievement to the solid foundation laid by Prof. Samanta, whose guidance continues to inspire them to aim higher and dream bigger.