Samanta receives FIVB Grand Cross Award

Bhubaneswar: The Founder of KIIT and KISS, Achyuta Samanta, received the prestigious ‘Grand Cross Award’, the highest honour from International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

This recognition was bestowed upon him during the 39th FIVB World Congress, a three-day event held in Porto, Portugal, from November 15 to 17. This award acknowledges his outstanding contributions to the development of sports, particularly volleyball. The FIVB president, Ary Graca, presented the award to Samanta at a ceremony attended by representatives and presidents of volleyball associations from 222 countries.

Earlier, during a visit to KIIT and KISS, Graca had announced that Samanta would be honoured with FIVB Grand Cross Award for his exemplary efforts in promoting sports. Following this, Samanta was invited to the World Congress, where he received the award.

The Grand Cross Award is FIVB’s highest honour given to individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and development of sports, particularly volleyball.

Samanta expressed his gratitude, saying, “I have been chosen for this highest honour by FIVB. I am deeply indebted to Lord Jagannath for this recognition and dedicate this award to Him. I also dedicate it to all sports enthusiasts and sportspersons of India, especially those from Odisha, as well as KIIT and KISS.”