In a moment of pride for India’s university sports community, Dr. Gaganendu Dash, Director General of Sports & Yoga at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, has been selected as the Deputy Head of Delegation of the Indian contingent for the Rhine-Ruhr, Germany 2025 FISU World University Games (summer). The prestigious event, scheduled to take place in Germany from July 16-27, 2025, will bring together university athletes from across the globe to compete in 18 sports disciplines.
Dr. Dash’s appointment is a testament to his exceptional contributions to university sports development in India. His role will involve coordinating and representing India at this international platform, ensuring the smooth participation of Indian athletes. As part of his responsibilities, Dr. Dash will also attend the Head of Delegation Spring Meeting in Düsseldorf, Germany, from April 6-11, 2025, where critical preparations for the Games will be finalized.
This is not the first time Dr. Dash has been entrusted with such a significant role. His illustrious track record includes:
- World University Games, Chengdu, China 2023: As Head of Delegation, Dr. Dash led the Indian University Team to a historic achievement of 26 medals, surpassing the previous tally of 18 medals. This remarkable performance placed India 7th in the overall medal tally among 113 nations, earning recognition from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baataddress.
- World University Games, Napoli 2019: He played a pivotal role as Deputy Head of Delegation, contributing to India’s participation and success.
- World University Games, Chinese Taipei 2017: Dr. Dash served as the Head of Delegation, representing India with distinction.
Dr. Dash expressed his gratitude to Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, for his unwavering support and vision in creating a robust sports ecosystem. He credited Prof. Samanta’s guidance and efforts for enabling athletes to excel on global platforms.
Prof. Achyuta Samanta congratulated Dr. Dash on his appointment and expressed confidence in the Indian contingent’s ability to deliver a stellar performance at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Games. He assured full support like previous year World University Games 2023 for the team’s participation and success, building on the momentum of previous achievements.
The Organizing Committee of Rhine-Ruhr 2025 has extended an official invitation to Dr. Dash, recognizing his leadership in advancing university sports in India and enhancing the nation’s presence on the global stage.
Dr. Gaganendu Dash’s appointment is a moment of pride for KIIT University and the Indian sports community, reflecting his unwavering dedication to nurturing sporting excellence among young athletes. As India prepares for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, the nation looks forward to another chapter of remarkable