Proud Moment for KIIT University as Four Students to receive Prestigious National Sports Awards 2024
One Khel Ratna Award, three Arjuna Awards
In a remarkable achievement for KIIT University, four outstanding student-athletes have been selected for prestigious national sports awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions to Indian sports. The lists of awards are declared on 2nd January, 2025. The awards will be conferred to them by Hon’ble President, India on January 17, 2025, marking a historic day for the university.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award – Praveen Kumar (Para-Athlete)
Praveen Kumar, a student of MA Sociology at KIIT University, received the esteemed Khel Ratna Award. Praveen, who won a Gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics and a silver at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Hon’ble Founder of KIIT, KISS & KIMS, for his unwavering support and encouragement.
Arjuna Award – Sajan Prakash (Swimming)
Olympian swimmer Sajan Prakash, a student of MCA at KIIT University, was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award. She Known for his achievements, including being the first Indian male swimmer to qualify for two consecutive Olympics and breaking multiple national and Asian records by winning many Gold medals.
Arjuna Award – Annu Rani (Javelin Throw)
Annu Rani, pursuing her MA in Yoga at KIIT University, was also conferred with the Arjuna Award for her outstanding performance in javelin throw. Annu’s journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, including representing India in the Paris Olympics 2024, Bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, Gold & Bronze in Asian Games 2022 & 2017, and silver & Bronze in Asian Championships2019 & 2017. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman javelin thrower to qualify for the World Athletics Championships final and set multiple national records.
Arjuna Award – Jyothi Yarraji (Athletics)
Jyothi Yarraji, a student of BA Sociology at KIIT University, received the Arjuna Award for her stellar contributions in athletics. Jyothi’s accolades include representing India in the Paris Olympics 2024, winning a Silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games and setting multiple national records in hurdles. She also became the first Indian woman to break the 13-second barrier in the 100m hurdles and consistently set new benchmarks in Indian athletics. Gold in Asian Athletics Championships 2023 and many more
Each of these athletes expressed their gratitude towards Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Hon’ble Founder KIIT, KISS & KIMS for fostering an environment that promotes excellence in sports through top-notch facilities and constant encouragement. They also appreciated his initiative of awarding INR 7 lakhs to all Olympians and Paralympians before the Olympics and the special prizes given to medal winners.
Prof. Achyuta Samanta praised the athletes for their dedication and commitment, assuring continued support from KIIT University to help them achieve greater milestones for the university and the nation. In his statement Prof. Samanta said that we are very proud that one academic Institution is going to receive 4 national sports award in one calendar year. It shows KIIT Universities’ commitment to fostering sports excellence on an international stage.