KISS Volleyball Festival Sets Record With 5,000 Players Joining

On October 4th, Bhubaneswar became the stage for an unprecedented event in the realm sports with the inauguration of the world’s largest volleyball tournament. Hosted by the Kalinga of Social Sciences (KISS), this monumental event saw participation from over 5,000 players, setting a new benchmark in the history of volleyball. The festival, a collaborative effort between KIIT, KISS, and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), not only celebrated the sport but also aimed to leverage volleyball as a means to foster community service and peace worldwide.

The inauguration was graced by notable figures including FIVB President Dr. Ary S Graça, who led the opening ceremony. The presence of distinguished guests such as Jennifer Larson, U.S. Consul General in Hyderabad; Fabio Azevedo, General Director of FIVB; and founders and vice-chancellors of KIIT and KISS added prestige to the event. This gathering of sports and academic leaders underscored the festival’s significant impact on both local and international levels.

Dr. Ary S Graça, during his address, shared his vision of utilizing volleyball as a vehicle to serve communities and promote peace through the sport's inherent values of non-violence. His words, "Volleyball can promote peace worldwide," resonated with the attendees, highlighting the broader mission of FIVB and the festival itself. The acknowledgment of KISS as a unique institution in supporting such initiatives was a testament to the collaborative effort in organizing this historic event.

In a notable development, an MOU was signed between KISS and FIVB to further the growth of volleyball in Odisha and beyond. This agreement aims to utilize KISS’s volleyball infrastructure to nurture future talents, ensuring the long-term impact of the festival. Moreover, the introduction of the 'Samanta-Graça’ scholarship is set to support promising volleyball players from around the globe, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to fostering sports excellence.

The festival’s grand scale and its submission for recognition by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest volleyball tournament underscore its remarkable scope. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, expressing his gratitude, highlighted the massive turnout of over 40,000 spectators, demonstrating the widespread enthusiasm and support for the event.

The U.S. Consul General, Jennifer Larson, extended her support, emphasizing the U.S.'s commitment to backing inspiring events like the KISS Volleyball Festival. This international endorsement further elevated the festival's prestige, showcasing the global community's recognition of sports as a unifying force.

Wrapping up, the KISS Volleyball Festival not only set a new record in sports history but also served as a platform for promoting peace and community service through volleyball. With the establishment of the 'Samanta-Graça’ scholarship and the collaboration between KISS and FIVB, the festival marks the beginning of a new chapter in sports, bridging communities worldwide. The event’s success, characterized by its massive participation and the support of international figures, highlights the universal appeal of volleyball and its potential to bring about positive change.