Achyuta Samanta Elected First President of Indian UniSport Federation

Achyuta Samanta, the renowned educator and founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), has been elected as the first president of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF). The unanimous decision was made during the federation's inaugural general assembly held in Bhubaneshwar.

Samanta has called for collective efforts to prepare Indian athletes for upcoming Commonwealth Games to be hosted in India. He also urged stakeholders to collaborate on advancing the Prime Minister's vision for sports development within the country.

The Indian UniSport Federation, recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is focused on boosting university-level sports, promoting transparent governance, and expanding opportunities for young athletes nationwide. Samanta's previous work at KIIT and KISS established a comprehensive sports ecosystem, including extensive facilities and professional support services.

Institutions founded by Samanta have a notable track record of nurturing athletes who have competed internationally. KIIT and KISS students have represented India in events such as the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. At the 2026 Asian Games, a contingent of 54 students from KIIT and KISS represented India, securing a total of 21 medals, including three gold.