Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Achyuta Samanta elected VFI chief patron
Achyuta Samanta, who started KIIT and KISS, has been chosen as the chief patron of the Volleyball Federation of India.
This happened during a big volleyball meeting in Varanasi, where the prime minister also opened a national volleyball tournament.
Even though Mr. Samanta couldn't attend the meeting, he agreed over the phone.
He will be the chief patron for four years.
The meeting also decided that a youth volleyball championship will be held at KIIT in Odisha, showing Odisha's important role in promoting volleyball.
Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, was unanimously elected as the chief patron of the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI).
The decision was made during the Annual General Council meeting of the VFI in Varanasi, attended by volleyball association leaders from all states.
Samanta, who is also the president of the Odisha Volleyball Association, was elected despite not attending the meeting due to prior commitments.
The VFI cited Samanta's significant contributions to sports, particularly volleyball, as the reason for his appointment.
The General Council also approved hosting the National Youth Volleyball Championship at KIIT, strengthening Odisha's role in promoting volleyball.
- Who
- Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, and president of Odisha Volleyball Association
- What
- Elected as the chief patron of the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI)
- When
- During the ongoing 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship 2026
- Where
- Varanasi
- Why
- For his significant contributions to sports, particularly volleyball
- Person
- Achyuta Samanta
- Position
- Chief Patron, Volleyball Federation of India (VFI)
- Event
- 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship 2026
- Location
- Varanasi
- Term
- 4 years
- Host
- KIIT, Odisha
- Championship
- National Youth Volleyball Championship