Dialogue on Integration of Sports at UN75 Campaign
The United Nations is observing 75 years of its glorious existence and engaging in dialogues wired around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the same.
“KIIT and KISS, as educational institutions in a multicultural society, understand the necessity of placing an emphasis on history, culture, language and sports. It is no secret that when a student feels that they belong in an educational context supplemented by sports, they perform better”, opined the speakers at a webinar on ‘Dialogue on Integration of Sports – Youth Empowerment through Sports’.
Mr. M. K. Kaushik, Arjuna & Dronacharya Awardee and Olympic Gold Medallist in Hockey said, “There is no winner and loser in sports, it teaches discipline. We need an environment which takes us towards sports. It develops skills including soft skills. A sports person realizes his or her social responsibilities. The state of Odisha has become a sports capital because of the support of all the stakeholders.”
In his talk, Mr. Rahul Bose, Rugby Player, Actor and Social Activist stated, “Sports are all about inclusivity, concentration and focus and injects the capacity to work hard. I will work till my last breath to professionalize sports so that a player like Sumitra Nayak hasn’t to worry about missing a national camp”, he added.
Mr. Vishal Dev, Sports Secretary, Government of Odisha, while addressing the young minds, opined that sports will connect youth with the future and help them shape their lives. The state of Odisha has done commendable work in this regard and changed the perspective of the people that sports cannot be opted as a career. Ms. Minati Mahapatra, first Arjuna Awardee from Odisha spoke about 5Cs – commitment, confidence, concentration, character and caring. Sports teaches peace and friendship, she added.
Ms. Dutee Chand, Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, said, “The infrastructure of KISS and initiatives like Khelo India have provided many opportunities to shape careers in sports. Now people know me for sports and it has changed the situation of my family.” Ms. Sumitra Nayak, U 19 Girls Rugby Captain expressed her gratefulness to KISS for believing in her and extending necessary support. “Samanta Sir and Rugby have contributed a lot in my life”, she expressed.
Earlier, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT and KISS, in his welcome address, thanked all the esteemed speakers for gracing the event and prayed that both the national and international players of KIIT and KISS continue to bring laurels. “Employment through sports is the apt topic chosen for the UN75 and both the organizations have been doing it since their inception. For the past three decades, we have been working on developing infrastructure and facilities pertaining to sports”,
“Sports helps in eradicating poverty and checks anti-social activities. I always share my favorite quote with the students, Khelte khelte padhte jao, Padhte padhte khelte jao”, he added.
Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, CEO-cum-Registrar, KISS & KISS-DU, in his deliberation, said, “Sports is one of our integrated activities. We at KISS strongly practice the integration of sports with academics. KIIT and KISS have been adding gems to the State as well as the country. We are fortunate to organize such this webinar”.
Dr. Gaganendu Dash, Director Sports, KIIT & KISS delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the organizing team and Mr. Rudrakesh Jena, Assistant Director-Sports, KISS facilitated and coordinated the entire event.