New Delhi: The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) have emerged as major promoters of rugby in Odisha and across India. Since 2005, under the leadership of Dr Achyuta Samanta, the institutes have played a pivotal role in the sport’s development and popularisation.
Rugby, though widely followed in several countries abroad, has witnessed limited popularity in India. KIIT and KISS have worked to bridge this gap by providing world-class infrastructure and professional coaching. They have particularly focused on nurturing talent from the tribal communities.
KISS team’s win in Manchester
In 2011, KISS gained international recognition when its Under-13 rugby team won the International Rugby Tournament held in Manchester, UK. The team from KISS competed against squads from six countries, including South Africa, England, Thailand, and Trinidad & Tobago, and secured first place.
Building on this success, the KISS U-13 Girls Rugby Team represented India and won the Touraid U-13 Girls International Rugby Tournament in 2014. The event was held at Saracens’ Allianz Park in London.
A collaboration with Indian Rugby Football Union
KISS students have also represented India at the senior level. In 2019, they contributed to India securing a historic bronze medal at the Asia Women’s Div-1 Rugby 15s Championship.
KIIT and KISS have also collaborated with the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to support the sport’s growth from grassroots to elite levels. Additionally, KIIT-KISS remains the only university in India to serve as an associate sponsor of Rugby India.
