The KISS Volleyball Festival, held at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar, India, on 4th October 2024, achieved a significant milestone by entering the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest volleyball tournament. With over 5,000 players from across India and around the world, the event marked a momentous occasion for sports, uniting athletes, spectators, and volleyball enthusiasts in an extraordinary celebration of the game.
A Historic Moment in Volleyball History
The KISS Volleyball Festival, a collaboration between KISS, KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology), and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), was inaugurated by Dr. Ary S. Graça, the President of FIVB. The tournament not only set a Guinness World Record but also underscored the growing significance of volleyball in India and across the globe.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Jennifer Larson, the U.S. Consul General in Hyderabad, Fabio Azevedo, the General Director of FIVB, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the Founder of KIIT and KISS, along with other prominent figures such as KIIT Vice Chancellor Prof. Saranjit Singh, KISS Vice Chancellor Prof. Deepak Behera, and Dr. Gaganendu Dash, Director General of Sports at KIIT. The participation of these esteemed individuals highlighted the importance of the event and the global recognition it garnered.
A Message of Peace and Unity
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Graça shared his hopes for the KISS Volleyball Festival, emphasizing FIVB’s mission of fostering peace and unity through the sport of volleyball. In his address, Dr. Graça praised the KISS institution for its commitment to creating opportunities for athletes and promoting the values of non-violence and collaboration through sports. He expressed his belief that such large-scale events would inspire positive change and contribute to global peace.
The U.S. Consul General also expressed her appreciation for the festival, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in building international connections and supporting the development of sports in India. Her gratitude towards the organisers reflected the growing recognition of KISS as a hub for both education and sporting excellence.
Celebrating 5,000 Athletes and Over 40,000 Spectators
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the Founder of KIIT and KISS, took a moment to express his gratitude to the participants, organizers, and spectators. He highlighted the fact that alongside the 5,000 athletes, the festival attracted over 40,000 spectators, creating a vibrant atmosphere and a true celebration of volleyball. Dr. Samanta’s speech also praised Dr. Graça for making a special visit to India to inaugurate the event, further elevating the festival’s prestige.
The festival wasn’t just about competition—it was a convergence of volleyball talent, community spirit, and global collaboration, showcasing the potential of sports to bring people together from diverse backgrounds.
Collaborative Efforts to Boost Volleyball in India
As a key moment of the event, KISS and FIVB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a major milestone in advancing volleyball development in Odisha and across India. The agreement is aimed at utilizing KISS’s volleyball infrastructure to provide a platform for nurturing young talent and supporting the development of future volleyball players.
In addition to the MOU, the launch of the ‘Samanta-Graça’ scholarship was announced. This scholarship, named after Dr. Achyuta Samanta and Dr. Ary S. Graça, will support 2-3 outstanding volleyball players from around the world, providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education at KIIT and KISS while also continuing their training in volleyball. This initiative will undoubtedly provide invaluable support for athletes looking to balance their academic and sporting pursuits.
A Bright Future for Volleyball in India
The KISS Volleyball Festival stands as a testament to the growing popularity of volleyball in India and the world. With its commitment to developing future players, fostering community engagement, and promoting peace through sports, the festival has set a new standard for sporting events in the country. As KISS continues to build on this success, the world can look forward to even greater achievements in the years to come.
