January 28, 2025.- The 26 January 2025 marked India’s 76th Republic Day, which was celebrated by a vibrant ceremony at the KIIT & KISS Athletic Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The event, which was attended by FIVB leadership, saw a gathering of over 40,000 students, staff and dignitaries of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) and the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in a celebration of the nation’s progress, unity and diversity.
This year, the ceremony included a grand parade, cultural performances and the recognition of both staff and student-athletes for their dedication and accomplishments over the last year. Among the notable moments were the awards presented to 54 staff members for their exceptional service to education and 52 student-athletes who had represented India on the global stage, including at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. Their achievements, both in India and on the global stage, are a testament to the power of collaboration, discipline, passion and solidarity – values that resonate with the FIVB’s mission of promoting volleyball as a force for positive change worldwide.
Dr Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT & KISS, took a moment to reflect on the significance of the day. “Every year, the KIIT, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), and KISS family unites to celebrate Republic Day with a profound sense of pride and purpose. This day is more than a celebration – it is a testament to our collective commitment to nation-building and a moment to honour the extraordinary achievements of our students and staff, who continue to exemplify excellence and dedication. This year, we were privileged to welcome Mr. Fabio Azevedo, President of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), as our esteemed Chief Guest. Traveling from Switzerland to join us, his presence elevated the occasion, inspiring our students to embrace global aspirations while staying rooted in their values. It was a truly memorable celebration of India’s 76th Republic Day, reflecting the spirit of unity and excellence that defines our institutions.”
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo spoke at the event and highlighted the connection between the spirit of Republic Day and the values of sport. “It is a privilege to be in India at this time to witness firsthand the celebrations of unity and progress,” President Azevedo said. “These values are also not only guiding principles of volleyball but are vital in every aspect of life. They transcend sport, extending to education, human interaction and our collective interest to build a better world. The Republic Day celebrations have been a powerful reminder of how much can be achieved when we come together as one.”
Azevedo also attended the Brahmaputra Volleyball League Finals during his time in the country. The Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) Season 5 Finals brought an impactful conclusion to a season of volleyball in Assam, India on Sunday. Held in the heart of the state, the event united over 400 players, 150 coaches, 200 former state players and 300 volunteers across three days in what was a memorable showcase of the transformative power of volleyball.
What has defined the last few days of competition is the ripple effect the BVL has had, and continues to have, beyond the sport of volleyball. Across villages, the league has introduced children to new opportunities, built their confidence, challenged traditional norms and inspired social change.
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, attending the Finals, praised the immense reach and power of the initiative: “At the heart of the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 is that every single player, young person, athlete and fan counts. Fans and athletes must always be at the centre of all our actions. That is exactly what I have seen here at the BVL Finals. Volleyball has the power to bring people together and make the world a better place. I have never been more certain of that following everything I have seen and experienced over the past few days.”
The finals were also attended by a host of global volleyball figures, including Assam’s Sports Minister Nandita Garlosa, Volleyball Foundation Executive Director Elizaveta Bracht, Volleyball Foundation Ambassador and Thailand women’s national volleyball team player Nootsara Tomkom and Olympic Champion Vladimir Grbić, who led coaching clinics in Tezpur ahead of the finals. FIVB Volleyball Empowerment and National Federation Relations Head Hitesh Malhotra also joined the event.
The League’s visionary founder, Abhijit Bhattacharya, spoke of his pride at seeing the community come together in a celebration of sport. He said: “The presence of the FIVB President and global ambassadors at the BVL Super League Season 5 at Tezpur was beyond everyone’s imagination. It was a huge motivation and encouragement for all the BVL volunteers. They were all super excited because everyone got an opportunity to shake hands and take pictures with Mr Fabio. His broad smile and the way he mingled with the kids and volunteers have touched everyone’s heart. It was a historic three days at Tezpur, and the people of the town will never forget this amazing experience in their life.”
In what was a remarkable celebration of sport and human spirit, the BVL continued to prove that sport can, and should be, a force for transformation and hope. This aligns perfectly with the FIVB’s motto: Together as One!
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