Prof. Achyuta Samanta Elected as First President of Indian UniSport Federation

Prof. Achyuta Samanta has been elected as the inaugural president of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF) during its first Annual General Meeting in New Delhi. The formation of IUSF aims to enhance university-level sports in India through a coordinated and athlete-centered approach. With the backing of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the federation seeks to unify universities and support the development of athletic talent. Prof. Samanta has pledged to ensure fair opportunities for all athletes and emphasized transparent governance. The federation plans to implement various initiatives to improve access to coaching, reduce participation costs, and foster competitive opportunities. This new leadership aims to strengthen India's position in the global sports arena while nurturing talent for future international competitions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 12, 2026, 09:09 IST

Historic Election of IUSF President

Prof. Achyuta Samanta, a prominent educationist and social worker, has been unanimously chosen as the inaugural president of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF) during its first Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi on Sunday, as per an official announcement.

Significance of IUSF Formation

The establishment of IUSF represents a significant advancement in promoting university sports in India through a unified, inclusive, and athlete-focused approach. This federation has received endorsement from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aiming to unify universities and enhance the identification, training, and development of athletic talent. The meeting saw participation from representatives of 27 state and regional university sports associations, showcasing widespread involvement from across the nation.

Commitment to Athlete-Centric Governance

Upon accepting his new role, Prof. Samanta expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Indian government, universities, athletes, and sports administrators for their support. He emphasized the need for university sports to provide equitable opportunities for all talented athletes, regardless of their background or institution. He assured that the federation would collaborate with stakeholders to foster a robust future for university sports in India.

Aligning with National Sports Vision

The federation aims to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for sports development in India, enhancing the country's global sporting stature. Prof. Samanta thanked Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for endorsing the federation's formation.

Addressing Membership and Governance Concerns

In response to universities' concerns regarding membership fees, support for host institutions, and financial transparency, Samanta highlighted the necessity for transparent, evidence-based governance. The federation's priorities include establishing clear rules, accountable governance, and accessible information regarding decision-making and fund allocation.

Proposed Measures and Key Priorities

IUSF has proposed a standardized annual subscription fee of Rs 50,000 for both government and private institutions, with no individual fees for athletes. Any fees collected will be utilized for the welfare of players. Assistance to universities will be based on specific criteria, including performance and need.

The federation's athlete-centric initiatives will focus on improving access to quality coaching, sports science, nutrition, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Additionally, it aims to provide educational and financial support to top athletes, reduce participation costs, and promote university leagues and competitions.

Ensuring Fair Play and Selection Processes

Fair competition and selection processes are also top priorities. Proposed measures include publishing eligibility criteria and competition schedules in advance, employing independent selection panels, and establishing grievance redressal mechanisms. The federation will also publish audited annual accounts and details on the use of membership fees to ensure transparency.

International Aspirations and Experience

IUSF plans to strengthen ties with the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and other global university sports organizations, aiming to enhance international competition opportunities for Indian university athletes and develop the capacity to host major sporting events.

Prof. Samanta underscored the importance of integrating education with sports opportunities, quality coaching, and athlete welfare, citing the success of KIIT and KISS athletes in various international competitions.

New Leadership Team Announced

The leadership team announced during the meeting includes Prof. Rajesh Tripathi, U. V. Shankar, Prof. Kalpana Sharma, and Kanwar Mandeep Singh as Vice Presidents; Binu George Varghese as Secretary General; Bhasker Shukla as Treasurer; and Kavita Kholgade and Kaukab Azeem as Joint Secretaries, among others.

The inaugural Annual General Meeting concluded with an invitation for all member associations and universities to actively contribute ideas and participate in enhancing the federation's governance and programs. IUSF aims to be evaluated based on the opportunities it creates for athletes and the fairness of its decisions, striving to build a more accessible university sports ecosystem and nurture talent across India.