The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), a pioneering educational institution in Bhubaneswar, has consistently worked toward empowering underprivileged tribal students through education, sports, and life skills. Founded by renowned social entrepreneur Dr. Achyuta Samanta, KISS provides free education, boarding, and holistic development to thousands of children. Dr.Samanta’s vision of combining academics with sports has propelled KISS to global recognition, and its latest achievement-setting a Guinness World Record-is a testament to the institution’s dedication to youth development.
In October 2024, KISS hosted the KISS Volleyball Festival, where an extraordinary Guinness World Record was set for the largest number of participants in a single volleyball match. This historic event not only celebrated the sport but also demonstrated KISS’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and breaking new ground in sports.
The Record-Breaking Event
On October 4, 2024, KISS, in collaboration with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Volleyball Foundation, and Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), made history by organizing a volleyball exhibition match with a record-breaking 430 participants. This eight-hour-long game saw players split across multiple teams, competing with an intense final score of 756-736. Teams from the Brahmaputra Volleyball League also joined in the festivities, further enhancing the competitive nature of the match.
This remarkable feat easily eclipsed the previous world record of 294 players, set by France’s Association Sportive de Saint Genis Les Ollieres during the Téléthon in 2011. The sheer scale of the event underscored the enthusiasm and passion for volleyball, drawing an audience of more than 40,000 attendees, including 5,000 young volleyball fans. The festival took place across 60 outdoor courts and several indoor venues, providing a range of volleyball activities aimed at promoting participation, fun, and community engagement.
Odisha’s First Sports Guinness Record
The achievement marks a historic moment for Odisha, being the state’s first-ever Guinness World Record in sports. It is also India’s second Guinness record in volleyball, following the 2021 achievement of Amutha Gunasekar from Puducherry, who set the record for the most successful volleyball serves in one minute (38 serves).
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the visionary behind KIIT and KISS, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to FIVB and its President, Dr. Ary S. Graça F°, for their continuous support in making the event possible. Reflecting on the accomplishment, Dr. Samanta said, “This record will forever remain in the name of KIIT, KISS, and Odisha’s first record in sports. It’s a moment of immense pride for us.”
A Legacy of Sports and Inclusion
The KISS Volleyball Festival, with its record-setting match, has brought international attention not just to KISS but to Odisha as a whole. The event underscores KISS’s larger mission of using sports as a medium for social change and youth development. By organizing events of this magnitude, KISS encourages students and local communities to engage in sports, promoting inclusivity, teamwork, and personal growth.
This landmark achievement has paved the way for future sports initiatives, showcasing the potential of young athletes and inspiring generations to come. Through the combined efforts of institutions like KISS, KIIT, and the support of international organizations like FIVB, the future of sports in Odisha—and India—is brighter than ever.
(With inputs from agencies)
