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

Dr. Achyuta Samanta Elected First President of Indian UniSport Federation

In a significant milestone for Indian athletics, Dr. Achyuta Samanta has been unanimously elected as the first president of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF) during its inaugural annual general meeting held on October 14, 2026, in Bhubaneswar, India. Dr. Samanta, a distinguished educator and social reformer, is the founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), two institutions recognized for their commitment to sporting excellence and holistic development.

During his acceptance speech, Dr. Samanta called upon various stakeholders to unify their efforts in preparing Indian athletes for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, which will be hosted in India. He stressed the importance of working together to actualize the Prime Minister's vision for sports development across the nation. By fostering collaborations among universities and enhancing governance in sports, the federation aims to create a more transparent and supportive environment for young athletes.

The Indian UniSport Federation, recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, strives to boost collegiate sports, ensuring that student-athletes receive the resources and opportunities they need to excel. Dr. Samanta's election reflects his substantial contributions to the field of university sports through initiatives at KIIT and KISS, where he has established a model that integrates education with sports training and athlete welfare.

Under his leadership, KIIT and KISS have built an extensive sports ecosystem, featuring over 30 athletic facilities, access to professional training, sports science, nutrition, healthcare, and rehabilitation support. Notably, up to 24 athletes from these institutions have represented India in various prestigious international competitions, including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Universiade.

KIIT has also played a pivotal role as the coordinating university in India for the Universiade since the event was held in Naples in 2019. Recently, 54 students from KIIT and KISS proudly represented India at the 20th Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, securing an impressive total of 21 medals, which included three gold, seven silver, and eleven bronze medals. This remarkable achievement showcases the talent and dedication of the student-athletes from a single Indian university.

In his capacity as president of the IUSF, Dr. Samanta emphasizes fair competition, accountable governance, and athlete-centered development. He expressed profound gratitude towards the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Union Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, universities, and all sports stakeholders for their unwavering support.

Dr. Samanta has held various significant positions in national and international sports organizations, earning accolades for his contributions. Previously, he served as the president of the Volleyball Federation of India and currently oversees the Volleyball Association of Odisha. His connections with international sporting bodies such as FIFA, FIVB, and FIDE have further strengthened his influence in the sports domain. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to promoting volleyball and chess, he has also received the highest recognition from the FIVB.

Since 2004, Dr. Samanta has been tirelessly dedicated to promoting sports and supporting athletes through KIIT and KISS. These institutions have developed world-class sports infrastructure, providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents at the state, national, and international levels. His commitment to nurturing sporting talent is evident as one of his athletes has received the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, while another 14 have attained the Arjuna Award for their excellence in sports.

With Dr. Samanta at the helm of the Indian UniSport Federation, the future of collegiate sports in India appears promising, as he continues to advocate for the rights and development of student-athletes, ensuring that they receive the support necessary to achieve their athletic and academic goals.