Bhubaneswar: Dr Achyuta Samanta, founder of Bhubaneswar’s KIIT and KISS, will be the first president of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF).
The Bhubaneswar-based noted educationist and social reformer was unanimously elected at IUSF’s maiden annual general meeting on Sunday.
The federation, recognised by Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to strengthen university sports, promote transparent governance and create greater opportunities for young athletes across the country.
Dr Samanta expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, universities and sports stakeholders for their support.
He called for collective efforts to prepare Indian athletes for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India (Ahmedabad) and urged all stakeholders to work together to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sports development in the country.
Dr Samanta’s election is a recognition of his significant contribution to university sports through KIIT and KISS, which have developed a comprehensive ecosystem featuring more than 30 sports facilities, professional coaching, sports science, nutrition, medical care and rehabilitation support.
Twenty-four KIIT and KISS athletes have represented India at the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World University Games. KIIT has also served as India’s nodal university for the World University Games since Napoli 2019.
Recently, 54 students from KIIT and KISS represented India at the 20th Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Dr Samanta previously served as president of the Volleyball Federation of India and currently serves as president of the Odisha Volleyball Association. He is also associated with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). He has received the highest honour conferred by the FIVB.