"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
9 Oct 2024
In a spectacular display of sportsmanship and unity, the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar, India, set a new Guinness World Record with its volleyball festival, featuring more than 5,000 athletes. The event, organized in collaboration with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), KIIT, and KISS, has gone down in history as the world’s largest volleyball tournament. The festival was inaugurated by Dr. Ary S. Graça, President of FIVB on October 4, 2024.
Dr. Graça praised KISS as a remarkable institution that embodies FIVB’s goal of fostering community through volleyball. He expressed confidence that the KISS Volleyball Festival would spark similar efforts worldwide. He stated that the event would stand as a global milestone, not just for India.
The highlight of the event was the record-breaking volleyball match, where 430 players took to the court to create the “Most Players in an Indoor Volleyball Exhibition Match.” This feat surpassed the previous record of 294 players set in France during the Téléthon 2011. The eight-hour match saw a total score of 736-756.
This achievement was a crowning moment for Odisha, as it marked the state’s first Guinness World Record in sports and India's second in volleyball.
The KISS Volleyball Festival also celebrated the signing of an important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KISS and FIVB. The agreement aims to boost volleyball’s growth in Odisha and across India by leveraging KISS’s world-class sports infrastructure. By nurturing budding volleyball talent, the partnership hopes to create a new generation of athletes who will carry forward the spirit of the sport.
One of the standout announcements of the event was the launch of the Samanta-Graca Scholarship. Named after Dr. Achyuta Samanta and Dr. Ary S. Graça, this scholarship will provide two to three exceptional volleyball players from around the world the opportunity to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate education at KIIT and KISS.
The KISS Volleyball Festival wasn’t just about records and competition; it was a celebration of inclusivity and the love for volleyball. With over 60 outdoor courts and multiple indoor venues, the festival attracted more than 40,000 attendees, including 5,000 enthusiastic young players. The event created an atmosphere of fun, friendship, and unity, as people from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the sport.
Jennifer Larson, U.S. Consul General, expressed her appreciation for the event, praising its inspirational spirit and the message of peace that volleyball can spread. “We are always here to support such inspiring initiatives,” she said, underlining the U.S.’s continued support for grassroots sports programs that aim to bring communities together.
The KISS Volleyball Festival has set a high benchmark for future sports events, combining the spirit of competition with the values of peace and community. As Dr. Samanta pointed out, “This is not just a victory for KIIT and KISS but a moment of pride for all of Odisha and India. We are committed to continuing this journey of sports excellence and inclusivity.”
