#India #Bhubaneswar #KIIT #Achyuta Samanta #Indian UniSport Federation

Dr. Achyuta Samanta Elected First President of Indian UniSport Federation

In a momentous development for university sports in India, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, a prominent educationist and social reformer, has been unanimously elected as the inaugural President of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF). This historic election took place during the federation’s first Annual General Meeting in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant milestone in the governance of sports at the university level.

Dr. Samanta, who is the founder of KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) and KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences), assumed the presidency with a clear vision. He emphasized the necessity for collaboration among all stakeholders to bolster India's athletes ahead of future international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games. His call to action highlights the Prime Minister's vision to enhance sports development across the nation.

The IUSF is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and has been established with the goal of strengthening university-level sports, ensuring transparent governance, and creating improved opportunities for young athletes throughout the country. Dr. Samanta's leadership is expected to facilitate these objectives, building on his previous work at KIIT and KISS which have already made significant strides in promoting sports excellence and athlete welfare.

Under Samanta's guidance, KIIT and KISS have established a comprehensive sports ecosystem that includes over 30 sports facilities, professional coaching, sports science, nutrition, and medical support. This has positioned the institutions as pivotal players in the development of sports talent in India. Over the years, 24 athletes hailing from KIIT and KISS have proudly represented India at global competitions including the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World University Games, underscoring the institutions' commitment to athletic excellence.

The 20th Asian Games recently witnessed an impressive participation from KIIT and KISS, with 54 students representing India and collectively earning 21 medals, comprising three gold, seven silver, and eleven bronze. This achievement signifies not only the hard work of the athletes but also the effective support and preparation provided by their institutions.

As the new President of the IUSF, Dr. Samanta is dedicated to ensuring fair competition, accountable governance, and a focus on athlete-centric development. He expressed gratitude for the support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, as well as from various universities and sports stakeholders in India, and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts moving forward.

Throughout his career, Dr. Samanta has held numerous pivotal roles within national and international sports organizations. He served as the President of the Volleyball Federation of India and is currently involved with the Odisha Volleyball Association and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). His contributions to sports have been recognized globally, as evidenced by the honors he has received for promoting volleyball and chess.

Since 2004, Dr. Samanta has tirelessly worked towards the advancement of sports and the support of athletes through both KIIT and KISS. The institutions have developed infrastructure that meets international standards, enabling students to demonstrate their abilities at various competitive platforms, from local to global arenas. The accolades received by their athletes, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and 14 Arjuna Awards, reflect the success of this mission.

As Dr. Samanta embarks on this new chapter as the first President of the Indian UniSport Federation, the future of university sports in India looks promising. With his leadership, there is a significant opportunity to nurture young talent, ensure their success on international stages, and foster a culture of sportsmanship across campuses nationwide.