A new chapter in India’s sporting landscape has been written with the inauguration of the first-ever international-standard concrete velodrome at the KIIT-KISS campus here. The 250-meter Minati Mohapatra Cycling Velodrome, named in honour of Odisha’s first Arjuna Awardee in cycling, marks a significant milestone in the country’s growing sports infrastructure.
The inauguration ceremony on January 8 was graced by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, who praised the vision behind the creation of this state-of-the-art facility. The velodrome promises to serve as a crucial platform for budding athletes and professionals alike, offering an unparalleled venue for competitive cycling and a springboard for those aspiring to represent India on the global stage, including the Olympics.
The introduction of the velodrome is yet another shining example of KIIT and KISS’s steadfast commitment to excellence in sports. The institutions have long been pioneers in creating world-class sporting infrastructure across a wide array of disciplines. From cricket and hockey to football and athletics, KIIT-KISS has consistently raised the bar in terms of providing top-tier facilities for students and athletes.
In addition to the newly inaugurated velodrome, the campus already boasts a comprehensive range of sporting venues. These include a dedicated cricket stadium, a hockey stadium, a football stadium, an athletics stadium, a rugby complex, a badminton complex, and a tennis complex. Furthermore, the campus features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an indoor volleyball court, and the KIIT-Biju Patnaik Multipurpose Indoor Stadium. Not to mention, the state-of-the-art shooting range and archery stadium that further highlight the breadth of sporting excellence fostered at KIIT-KISS.
In his address, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, reflected on the vision that has driven the establishment of these facilities. He expressed his deep gratitude for the Union Minister’s visit and revealed that there are plans to expand the sports infrastructure even further. “With the minister’s blessings, we aim to double our sporting facilities in the coming years to create even more opportunities for our athletes,” Dr. Samanta shared.
KIIT-KISS campus is set to further bolster its sporting legacy with the upcoming inauguration of a second athletics stadium. This new facility will be named after Anuradha Biswal, Odisha’s first Olympian, underscoring the state’s rich history and deep-rooted connection with sports excellence.
The velodrome’s inauguration is particularly significant as it provides aspiring Indian cyclists with a world-class facility to train and hone their skills. The importance of such infrastructure cannot be overstated in a nation that is beginning to make its mark in global sports, with cycling emerging as a sport of increasing interest and potential.
Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who has been a long-time advocate for sports development in India, spoke passionately about the impact of such initiatives. Reflecting on his visit to KIIT and KISS, he shared, “Today is an important day for me. Dr. Achyuta Samanta has often shared his vision with me, and I am glad I took the time to visit and witness the incredible work being done here. This is exactly the kind of model that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions for our nation—a place where education and sports go hand in hand, ensuring that our youth are equipped not just academically but also athletically.”
Quoting the great Acharya Chanakya, the Union Minister emphasized the transformative power of education in shaping a nation’s future. He commended the work of Dr. Samanta and his team, noting that KIIT, KISS, and KIMS are nurturing not just students but future responsible citizens of the country. “The future of our country is in capable hands,” Mandaviya remarked. “What I have witnessed here will serve as an inspiration to others.”
The event also saw a moving address from Minati Mohapatra, who expressed her gratitude for being honoured in such a significant way. “This is the greatest honour of my life,” she said. “People say Dr. Samanta is like a god to us. I am speechless and deeply moved.”
Maninder Pal Singh, the Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India praised the minister’s passion for cycling and his contributions to promoting sports across the nation. Singh also lauded the vision of KIIT-KISS in providing an exceptional platform for athletes to grow and excel.
Professor Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor of KIIT, highlighted the union minister’s transformative work during his tenure as Union Health Minister, acknowledging his continued support for sports development in India. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice Chancellor of KISS.
Disclaimer: Content Produced by KIIT
