Rousing welcome to KISS Rugby team

Bhubaneswar, Oct 3 (UNI) The KISS Rugby Team, winners of U-14 Rugby World Cup in London, was given a rousing welcome on their arrival here today.

The 12-member team, tribal students of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), a sister concern of KIIT University, accompanied by their coach R K Nayak were received by hundreds of sports lovers at the Biju Patnaik airport this morning.

KIIT said the KISS team defeated favourites South Africa 19-5 in the finals played in London to clinch the U-14 Rugby Championship.

The players were taken to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's residence at Naveen Nivas where they were given a warm welcome.

The Chief Minister wished the winning members all the best in their future tournaments. A felicitation ceremony was also organised at the Raj Bhawan where Governor M C Bhandare described the success of KISS students as unprecedented highlighting the real talent of tribal.

Founder Secretary of KIIT and KISS Dr. A Samanta said the team, popularly known as ''Jungle Crows,'' have brought laurel and glory to the country.

He said with a little support the tribal boys had achieved miracle and attributed the success to hard work, team effort and blessings of God.

The team later arrived at KIIT campus in an open and decorated van where they were greeted by hundreds of singing, dancing and slogan chanting fans belonging to KISS and KIIT family and general public.

UNI