Dr. Achyuta Samanta Elected as First President of Indian UniSport Federation

Dr. Achyuta Samanta Elected as First President of the Indian UniSport Federation

On October 14, 2026, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, a prominent educator and social reformer, was unanimously elected as the inaugural president of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF) during its first annual general meeting held in Bhubaneswar, India. This historic appointment not only recognizes Dr. Samanta's lifelong dedication to education and athletics but also underscores a significant step towards advancing university sports in the country.

Having founded the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Dr. Samanta has played a transformative role in promoting both academic excellence and athletic prowess among students. His approach integrates education with top-tier sports performance and athlete welfare, setting a robust framework for future developments. Under his guidance, KIIT and KISS have established a comprehensive sports ecosystem that features more than 30 sports facilities, professional coaching, sports science consultancy, nutrition support, medical care, and rehabilitation services.

At the annual meeting, Dr. Samanta emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to prepare athletes for upcoming sports events, particularly the Commonwealth Games to be hosted in India. He passionately called for unity among stakeholders—universities, government bodies, and the sports community—to actualize the Prime Minister's vision for nurturing athletic talent across the nation.

The IUSF aims to strengthen collegiate sports, enhance transparency, and create more opportunities for young athletes throughout India. Dr. Samanta’s appointment serves as a testament to his significant contributions to higher education sports through institutions like KIIT and KISS. Notably, 24 athletes from these institutions have represented India in various esteemed competitions, including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World University Games.

A quintessential leader in sports governance, Dr. Samanta has a rich history of involvement in national and international sports organizations. He previously held the presidency of the Volleyball Federation of India and currently presides over the Volleyball Federation of Odisha. Additionally, he is a member of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and has developed vital relationships with leading international sports federations, including FIFA, FIVB, and FIDE. His exemplary contributions have been acknowledged through multiple awards, including the highest accolade from the FIVB for his role in promoting volleyball and chess in India.

Since 2004, Dr. Samanta has remained staunchly committed to fostering sports development and athlete support through KIIT and KISS. The institutions have meticulously crafted a sports infrastructure that adheres to international standards, offering students multiple platforms to demonstrate their talent at state, national, and international levels. Among the distinguished athletes from these institutes, one has received the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, while 14 others have been honored with the Arjuna Award.

As Dr. Samanta embarks on this new journey as the president of IUSF, the outlook for Indian collegiate sports appears not only optimistic but also promising. His vision of fair competition, responsible governance, and athlete-centric development is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes, paving the way for India’s sporting excellence on the global stage.