Paperman Media | New Delhi, October 11
Eminent educationist, social worker and KIIT and KISS founder Achyuta Samanta has been unanimously elected as the first president of the Indian Unisport Federation (IUSF).
He was elected at the federation’s first annual executive meeting held in New Delhi on Sunday. The newly formed organisation aims to strengthen university-level sports in India and identify, train and promote talented athletes for national and international competitions.
Addressing members after his election, Samanta emphasised collective efforts to prepare Indian athletes for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in India. He also called upon all stakeholders to work together to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of developing sports and strengthening India’s position on the global sporting stage.
The federation, approved by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, seeks to provide a structured framework for university sports in the country. It aims to identify sporting talent across more than 1,200 universities, promote participation in World University competitions and facilitate university athletes’ involvement in Khelo India events. The federation also plans to affiliate with the International University Sports Federation (FISU).
Samanta has extensive experience in sports administration. He previously served as president of the Volleyball Federation of India and currently heads the Odisha Volleyball Association. He is also associated with the international volleyball governing body FIVB and has received its highest honour for his contributions to volleyball and chess.
Through KIIT and KISS, Samanta has consistently promoted sports since 2004. Twenty-four athletes from the institutions have represented India at the Olympics, while four have competed at the Paralympics. Their athletes recently won 21 medals at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, including three gold, seven silver and 11 bronze medals.
The IUSF is expected to play a significant role in developing elite athletes for the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
