Achyuta Samanta Elected First President of Indian UniSport Federation

Professor Achyuta Samanta, educationist, social worker and founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), has been unanimously elected the first president of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF). The election took place at the federation's inaugural Annual General Meeting in New Delhi on October 11, 2026.

The formation of the IUSF marks a step towards strengthening university-level sports in India. The federation aims to bring universities and sports associations onto a common platform, identify emerging talent and support athletes through training, development and competitive opportunities. Representatives from 27 state and regional university sports associations attended the meeting, reflecting participation from different parts of the country.

Achyuta Samanta's Election: Key Details

What Is the Indian UniSport Federation?

The Indian UniSport Federation is intended to strengthen the organisation and development of university sports across the country. With provisional recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as a National Sports Federation for university sports, the organisation aims to coordinate efforts among universities, sports associations, administrators and athletes.

Its objectives include creating more structured opportunities for student-athletes, supporting talent identification and improving pathways from university competitions to higher levels of sport. A coordinated system can also help institutions exchange expertise, organise competitions and develop more consistent approaches to athlete support.

Samanta's Priorities for University Sports

After his election, Samanta called for collective efforts to strengthen university-level sports and prepare Indian athletes for upcoming international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be hosted in India. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration among universities, sports administrators, athletes and other stakeholders.

University sports can provide young athletes with opportunities to balance higher education and competitive training. However, access to quality coaching, facilities, sports science, financial assistance and suitable competition remains important for athletes seeking to progress beyond campus-level events.

KIIT and KISS: Background in Education and Sports

Samanta founded KIIT, a higher education institution in Bhubaneswar, and KISS, an institution focused on education and support for Indigenous students. Both institutions have developed sports facilities and programmes alongside their educational activities.

KIIT has participated in university sports competitions and supported Indian university athletes at international events. The institutions' experience in sports infrastructure, coaching and athlete development provides relevant background to Samanta's new leadership role in the IUSF.

What the Federation Could Mean for Students

The federation's development could be significant for students who want to pursue competitive sport while completing undergraduate or postgraduate education. Stronger coordination among universities may create opportunities for inter-university competition, talent identification and more organised athlete development.

• More coordinated competitions: Universities may benefit from stronger cooperation in organising sports events.
• Talent identification: A broader network could help identify promising athletes across institutions.
• Development pathways: Structured training and competition may support athletes aiming for national and international events.
• Institutional cooperation: Universities and sports associations can work together on facilities, coaching and athlete welfare.

The actual impact will depend on the federation's programmes, governance, funding arrangements and the opportunities it makes available to athletes and member institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has been elected the first president of the Indian UniSport Federation?

Professor Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, has been unanimously elected the federation's first president.

When was he elected?

He was elected on October 11, 2026, at the federation's inaugural Annual General Meeting in New Delhi.

What is the main objective of the IUSF?

The federation aims to strengthen university sports in India by coordinating institutions, identifying talent and supporting athlete development.

Has the federation received government recognition?

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has granted provisional recognition to the Indian UniSport Federation as a National Sports Federation for university sports.

How could the federation benefit university students?

Its work could help expand sporting opportunities, improve coordination between institutions and support student-athletes in training and competition.

Samanta's election places him at the head of a new national-level organisation focused on university sports. The federation's progress will be measured by how effectively it builds cooperation among institutions and creates fair, accessible opportunities for India's student-athletes.