New Delhi, June 28, 2019: Indian women's rugby team scripted history by clinching their first-ever International 15s victory against the top-ranked team of Singapore. Five students of KISS - Sumitra Nayak, Hupi Majhi, Rajani Sabar, Meerarani Hembram and Parbati Kisku - were also a part of the team. The young talents bagged Bronze Medal at the Asia Women's Div-1 Championship held in Manila, Philippines from June 17 to 23. 

The star of the game, Sumitra Nayak, kicked a penalty in the dying minutes of the match that sealed the narrow victory for the Indian team. Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS described the struggles in the life of these rugby players and said that everyone has an inspiring story to share with the world. He said that “Our students have been representing India and Odisha regularly at International and National level sports meets, including the Olympics, Asian and Commonwealth Games.”

KIIT

Kalinga Institute of Social Science (KISS) is known to all as the world's largest tribal residential institution providing accommodation, healthcare, education, and all other basic amenities absolutely free to 50,000 tribal children. It has become the first ever University exclusively for poor students across the globe. Similarly, Kalinga Institute in Technology (KIIT) is one of the most promising institutions for technical and professional education in India, attracting students from about 50 countries.

Besides quality education, KIIT and KISS have been giving importance to sports and games since their inception. The two institutions have created world-class infrastructure in terms of sports. It has produced more than 5000 sports talents in over 30 disciplines, who have participated at an international, national and regional level. 

Rugby was introduced to tribal students of the institute in 2006, at a time when this sport was not so popular in India. Ever since, the University has been spawning Rugby talents, who have been making a mark at the national and international level. “KISS Rugby players both boys and girls have brought laurels for India many times. They have been getting a place in both Men and Women National Rugby Team for last 5 years and performing very well in national and international championships,” said Prof. Samanta.

KISS is trying its best to bring many unknown talents to the limelight and giving them international exposure for the last 28 years. Due to dedicated and continuous efforts, today many students of the institute have been bringing laurels to Odisha as well as India in the field of sports and games.