BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the Minati Mohapatra Cycling Velodrome at the KIIT-KISS campus on Wednesday, marking a significant step in promoting cycling as a sport in India.
The velodrome is named after Minati Mohapatra, Odisha’s first cyclist to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award. Speaking at the event, Mandaviya expressed his excitement, noting, “Today is an important day for me. What I saw here is consistent with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a country where sports and education go hand in hand.”
Mandaviya highlighted the crucial role of education in shaping the future of the nation, citing the teachings of Acharya Chanakya. He praised the efforts of educational institutions like KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, stating, “I am certain that educators like Dr. Achyuta Samanta can shape the nation’s destiny. Students here are being raised to become responsible adults.” He also assured that he would share the best practices observed at KIIT-KISS wherever he travels.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the visionary founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, shared his plans for the future, revealing ambitions to further expand the sports facilities at KIIT and KISS. “We hope to increase our facilities and provide more opportunities for aspiring athletes with the minister’s blessings,” he said.
Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India, lauded Mandaviya’s enthusiasm for sports. He emphasized that the minister, an avid cyclist himself, has made significant contributions to the growth of sports in the country.
Minati Mohapatra, whose name graces the velodrome, expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I am speechless. Dr. Samanta is regarded as a deity by many. This is the greatest honor of my life.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by KISS Vice Chancellor Prof. Deepak Kumar Behera and KIIT Vice Chancellor Prof. Saranjit Singh, who took the opportunity to highlight Mandaviya’s remarkable contributions while serving as the Union Health Minister.
The inauguration of the velodrome is expected to boost cycling and sports culture in Odisha and across India, offering a state-of-the-art facility for athletes to hone their skills.
