Dr. Achyuta Samanta Elected as First President of Indian UniSport Federation
On October 14, 2026, a significant milestone was achieved in Indian sports with Dr. Achyuta Samanta being unanimously elected as the first president of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF) during its inaugural annual general assembly held in Bhubaneswar. Dr. Samanta, known as a prominent educator, social reformer, and the founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), expressed his commitment to enhancing the landscape of university sports in India.
In his opening address, he underscored the critical need for collective efforts to train Indian athletes for upcoming events, notably the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be hosted in India. Dr. Samanta urged all stakeholders, including educational institutions, sports bodies, and government agencies, to collaborate seamlessly in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision for sports development in the country. The core mission of the federation is to reinforce university sports, ensure transparent governance, and expand opportunities for aspiring young athletes throughout India.
The establishment of the IUSF has been formally recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, marking a new chapter in the promotion and governance of sports at the university level. This federation aims not only to elevate the standard of university-level sports but also to foster responsible governance that prioritizes the interests of student-athletes. Dr. Samanta's election is a testament to his extensive contributions to the field of sports through KIIT and KISS, where he has pioneered a model that harmonizes education, sport, and athlete well-being.
Under his leadership, both institutions have constructed a comprehensive sporting ecosystem that encompasses over 30 sports facilities, professional coaching, sports sciences, nutrition support, and rehabilitation services. This commitment to athlete care has enabled 24 athletes from KIIT and KISS to represent India at prestigious events including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World University Games, exemplifying the institutions' substantial role in India’s sports achievements.
Moreover, KIIT has served as a reference university for India during the World University Games since Naples in 2019, with recent participation from 54 students at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. This sizeable contingent from a single Indian university illustrated a remarkable feat, resulting in a tally of 21 medals at the continental sporting championships, including three gold, seven silver, and eleven bronze.
As the president of the IUSF, Dr. Samanta emphasized principles of fair competition, responsible governance, and an athlete-centered developmental approach. He expressed gratitude toward the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, as well as various universities and sports influencers for their invaluable support.
Dr. Samanta's contributions to sports extend beyond administration; he has held significant roles in national and international sports organizations, previously acting as the President of the Indian Volleyball Federation while currently chairing the Odisha Volleyball Association. His collaboration with international sporting bodies like FIFA, FIVB, and FIDE reflects his well-established networks in the global sports community. His remarkable work in promoting volleyball and chess earned him the highest honor from the FIVB.
Since 2004, Dr. Samanta has worked tirelessly to advocate for sports and support athletes through KIIT and KISS, enhancing world-class sporting infrastructures and providing platforms for young talents to shine regionally, nationally, and internationally. His consistent efforts have been acknowledged, with an athlete receiving the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award and 14 others being recipients of the Arjuna award, showcasing the fruits of his labor in the realm of Indian sports.
In his opening address, he underscored the critical need for collective efforts to train Indian athletes for upcoming events, notably the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be hosted in India. Dr. Samanta urged all stakeholders, including educational institutions, sports bodies, and government agencies, to collaborate seamlessly in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision for sports development in the country. The core mission of the federation is to reinforce university sports, ensure transparent governance, and expand opportunities for aspiring young athletes throughout India.
The establishment of the IUSF has been formally recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, marking a new chapter in the promotion and governance of sports at the university level. This federation aims not only to elevate the standard of university-level sports but also to foster responsible governance that prioritizes the interests of student-athletes. Dr. Samanta's election is a testament to his extensive contributions to the field of sports through KIIT and KISS, where he has pioneered a model that harmonizes education, sport, and athlete well-being.
Under his leadership, both institutions have constructed a comprehensive sporting ecosystem that encompasses over 30 sports facilities, professional coaching, sports sciences, nutrition support, and rehabilitation services. This commitment to athlete care has enabled 24 athletes from KIIT and KISS to represent India at prestigious events including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World University Games, exemplifying the institutions' substantial role in India’s sports achievements.
Moreover, KIIT has served as a reference university for India during the World University Games since Naples in 2019, with recent participation from 54 students at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. This sizeable contingent from a single Indian university illustrated a remarkable feat, resulting in a tally of 21 medals at the continental sporting championships, including three gold, seven silver, and eleven bronze.
As the president of the IUSF, Dr. Samanta emphasized principles of fair competition, responsible governance, and an athlete-centered developmental approach. He expressed gratitude toward the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, as well as various universities and sports influencers for their invaluable support.
Dr. Samanta's contributions to sports extend beyond administration; he has held significant roles in national and international sports organizations, previously acting as the President of the Indian Volleyball Federation while currently chairing the Odisha Volleyball Association. His collaboration with international sporting bodies like FIFA, FIVB, and FIDE reflects his well-established networks in the global sports community. His remarkable work in promoting volleyball and chess earned him the highest honor from the FIVB.
Since 2004, Dr. Samanta has worked tirelessly to advocate for sports and support athletes through KIIT and KISS, enhancing world-class sporting infrastructures and providing platforms for young talents to shine regionally, nationally, and internationally. His consistent efforts have been acknowledged, with an athlete receiving the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award and 14 others being recipients of the Arjuna award, showcasing the fruits of his labor in the realm of Indian sports.
Topics Sports）
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