Bhubaneswar: KIIT and KISS founder Dr Achyuta Samanta held extensive deliberations on Monday with FIVB, the international volleyball federation, and Volleyball Foundation during his visit to its headquarters in Switzerland regarding promotion and development of the game at the grassroots level through KIIT and KISS.
Samanta, who visited the Lausanne-headquartered FIVB on an invitation from the global body, met FIVB Volleyball Foundation president Dr Ary Graça, FIVB president Fabio Azevedo and FIVB director general Steve Tutton.
The meeting focused on the advancement of volleyball at the grassroots level in India, particularly within schools in Odisha.
FIVB officials regretted a lack of significant progress in Indian volleyball after Dr Samanta’s tenure as Volleyball Federation of India president ended.
FIVB announced establishment of multiple Centres of Excellence at KIIT and KISS in India, particularly in Odisha.
FIVB committed to involving 400 schools in Odisha under this initiative, with every school to receive volleyballs and nets.
These centres will offer advanced training for players and coaches. An academic programme will also be implemented for volleyball coaches and referees.
Additionally, FIVB will provide coaches to enhance promotion of beach volleyball in India.
FIVB officials will visit KIIT and KISS every year to review volleyball development initiatives undertaken in Odisha.
A satisfied Samanta said there will be significant development of both volleyball and beach volleyball in Odisha and fostering of sports talent at the grassroots level.
