Bhubaneswar: The Sambalpur University emerged as the team champion in men’s category in the Odisha State Inter-University Sports Competition 2023-24 that concluded on Monday.
Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, which hosted the 5-day sports competition, secured the runner-up position in the category. In women’s category, KIIT University emerged as the team champion and Sambalpur University secured the runner-up position. Cash prizes of Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 were handed over to the first, second and third rank holders respectively.
Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University Prof. Sabita Acharya, Olympian and Odisha’s ace sprinter Dutee Chand, Registrar Dr. Kanhucharan Dhir and Director of Sports Council Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sundaray graced the award giving ceremony and distributed the prizes to the winners.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Dutee said that the future is not shaped by reading only, but it is absolutely necessary to play along with reading. It is the sports that help in creating identity in life. Therefore, one should continue to practice for this by giving equal importance to reading and playing, she added.
Highlighting the State Government’s initiatives led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Dutee said that Odisha turned into the sporting capital of the country with state-of-art infrastructure and huge investments. Many players have also represented the State at the national and global level in several sports competitions and brought laurels for the State, she added.
The inter-university sports meet was organised by the Utkal University at Biju Patnaik Sports Complex and Kalinga Stadium with the financial support from Odisha State Higher Education Council, and Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha. Around 20 universities took part in 13 sports categories including 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 meters race, javelin throw, discus throw, shot put throw, hurdles and relay race etc. The inter-university competition was held at the University of Utah’s Biju Patnaik Sports Comples and Bhubaneswar’s Kaling Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
Dr. Kirti Ranjan Mallick conducted the closing programme and offered vote of thanks.
