Bhubaneswar- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT-DU) is poised to create history by sending the highest number of participants from a single Indian university to the prestigious 2025 World University Games (WUG), scheduled from July 16 to 27 in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr and Berlin regions. The 40-strong athlete team from KIIT marks the largest representation ever by any Indian institution in the history of the Games.
India’s total contingent includes over 300 athletes aged between 17 and 25, selected from 61 universities nationwide. The athletes earned their spots after rigorous trials held across more than 400 institutions.
Once again recognized for its sports leadership, KIIT has been designated as a Nodal University by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), a role it has held in previous editions such as Napoli 2019 and Chengdu 2023.
Some of KIIT’s top athletes include Rupal (400m), Ankita Dhyani (3000m steeplechase), Jeswin Aldrin (long jump), Praveen Chithravel (triple jump), and national 100m record holder Animesh Kujur. In addition, Utkal University and Sambalpur University will each contribute one athlete, bringing Odisha’s total representation to 42.
“KIIT’s commitment to integrating sports with education is unwavering. We’ve developed world-class infrastructure and robust support systems to nurture our athletes,” said Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS.
Beyond just athletes, KIIT will also have a strong presence in the support staff. India’s 407-member contingent will benefit from the experience of sports stalwarts like Arjuna Awardee Rahul Banerjee (archery), national coach Surinder Singh (archery), Sanjay Garnaik (athletics), Lotak Bindu Dash (volleyball), and Baljit Singh Sekhon (shooting), who will also serve as the Head of Delegation.
