The world’s largest volleyball tournament has officially begun in Bhubaneswar, India, at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), with over 5,000 athletes participating. The event, inaugurated on 4th October 2024 by the President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Dr Ary S Graça, has entered the Guinness World Records for the largest volleyball competition ever held.
The KISS Volleyball Festival, organised in partnership with KIIT University, KISS, and FIVB, represents a milestone in the global volleyball community. The tournament has brought together players from across India, along with thousands of spectators, in a remarkable celebration of sport and unity.
Several notable figures attended the grand opening ceremony, including Jennifer Larson, the U.S. Consul General in Hyderabad; Fabio Azevedo, General Director of FIVB; Dr Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT and KISS; Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor of KIIT; Prof. Deepak Behera, Vice-Chancellor of KISS; and Dr Gaganendu Dash, Director General of Sports at KIIT.
A Global Message of Peace
During the inauguration, Dr Ary Graça addressed the enthusiastic crowd, praising KISS for its unique commitment to both education and sport. He highlighted the importance of volleyball in fostering peace and non-violence, expressing hope that FIVB’s mission of community service would be advanced through the KISS Volleyball Festival.
“Volleyball, with its core values of teamwork and respect, can help promote peace globally,” Dr Graça said. He also commended the festival’s organisers for their commitment to inclusivity, stating that this event was more than just a competition but a powerful movement for social change.
Jennifer Larson, the U.S. Consul General, expressed her appreciation for the scale of the tournament, noting that such events are vital for fostering international cooperation. “We are always eager to support initiatives like these that inspire and uplift communities,” she said.
A Historic Partnership
The event also saw the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KISS and FIVB. The agreement is designed to promote the growth of volleyball in Odisha and India more broadly, leveraging the sports infrastructure at KISS to develop future generations of players.
Additionally, KIIT and KISS announced the launch of the ‘Samanta-Graça’ scholarship, a new initiative aimed at supporting talented volleyball players from around the world. Under this scheme, 2-3 standout athletes will be given the opportunity to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies at KIIT and KISS, further solidifying the institutions’ commitment to nurturing talent.
Overwhelming Enthusiasm
Dr Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT and KISS, expressed his gratitude to Dr Graça for travelling to India to inaugurate the tournament. He highlighted the immense enthusiasm for the event, noting that alongside the 5,000 players, over 40,000 spectators had gathered to enjoy the festival.
“The atmosphere is electric, and we are so proud to be hosting this landmark event,” Dr Samanta said. He emphasised that the festival not only showcases athletic talent but also celebrates the spirit of unity and inclusion that KISS embodies.
With the tournament now underway, players and fans alike are looking forward to several days of exciting competition, as this historic event continues to make waves both in India and across the globe.
