BHUBANESWAR, India, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Noted educationist, social reformer and Founder of KIIT and KISS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta (https://achyutasamanta.com/), has been unanimously elected the first President of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF) at its inaugural Annual General Meeting here on Sunday. Addressing the members after his election, he called for collective efforts to prepare Indian athletes for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in India and urged all stakeholders to work together to realise the Prime Minister's vision for sports development in the country.
Recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Federation aims to strengthen university sports, promote transparent governance and create greater opportunities for young athletes across the country.
His election recognises his significant contribution to university sports through KIIT (https://kiit.ac.in/) and KISS (https://kiss.ac.in/), where he has championed a model integrating education, sporting excellence and athlete welfare. Under his leadership, the institutions have developed a comprehensive sports ecosystem featuring more than 30 sports facilities, professional coaching, sports science, nutrition, medical care and rehabilitation support.
As many as 24 KIIT and KISS athletes have represented India at the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World University Games. KIIT has also served as India's nodal university for the World University Games since Napoli 2019. More recently, 54 students from KIIT and KISS represented India at the 20th Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The participation of such a large contingent from a single Indian university was a significant achievement. At the continental sporting event, athletes from KIIT and KISS won a total of 21 medals, comprising three gold, seven silver and 11 bronze medals.
As IUSF President, Dr. Samanta has emphasised fair competition, accountable governance and athlete-centred development. He expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, universities and sports stakeholders for their support.
Dr. Samanta has held several positions in national and international sports organisations and received recognition for his contributions. He previously served as President of the Volleyball Federation of India and currently serves as President of the Odisha Volleyball Association. He is also associated with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Over the years, he has developed strong relationships with leading international sports bodies, including FIFA, FIVB and FIDE. In recognition of his contributions to the promotion of volleyball and chess, he has received the highest honour conferred by the FIVB.
Since 2004, Samanta has consistently worked to promote sports and support athletes through KIIT and KISS. The institutions have developed international-standard sporting infrastructure and provided students with opportunities to showcase their talents at state, national and international levels. One of its athletes has received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, while 14 others have been honoured with the Arjuna Award.
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Achyuta Samanta Elected First President of Indian UniSport Federation
ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, announces its inaugural temporary exhibition, Tracks Through Time: The Camel in Society, Trade and Art. The world's first exhibition to comprehensively explore more than 7,000 years of camel history will open early December 2026, coinciding with the museum's first anniversary celebration.
Tracks Through Time examines the camel's role in society, trade networks and creative cultures of the UAE and the wider region, from the earliest evidence of wild camels on this land to the living traditions practised today.
The exhibition will include wild camel bones excavated from the archaeological site of Baynunah in Abu Dhabi dating to the Neolithic Period (4,500-4,000 BCE), on loan from Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, alongside remains from Al Sufouh in Dubai dating back to the Bronze Age (2,000-1,300 BCE) loaned from Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. This is the first time that detailed evidence of the now-extinct wild camel species will be presented to the public.
Dr. Peter Magee, Director of Zayed National Museum, said: "We are excited to present our first temporary exhibition, which celebrates the camel's profound significance in Emirati culture and the broader story of the UAE. This exhibition represents our mission to deepen understanding of the UAE through original research and meaningful public engagement. Grounded in the latest scientific research and built through collaboration, the exhibition traces the unique archaeological evidence for the presence of wild camels in the UAE thousands of years ago, initial camel domestication in the UAE, camel-human bonds and daily life, culminating in the prestige of Al Hejin camel racing and Mazayna beauty competitions."
Also included are domesticated camel bones from the site of Saruq Al Hadid in Dubai, dating back to the Iron Age (2600–550 BCE) loaned from Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. These remains provide some of the earliest evidence in the world for the taming and rearing of wild camels into a domesticated species.
Other highlights include a rare children's book detailing the different species of camel and their uses dating to the 1840s, examples of rock art depicting camels from Fujairah dating to 3,000 years ago and representations of camels in UAE postage stamps throughout the years. Audiovisual elements will present rare archival photography and film footage alongside recordings of Taghrooda and Alheda'a (camel calling), oral traditions inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and oral testimonies from camel herders and community members.
Tracks Through Time will form part of a wider programme of activities and experiences marking the museum's first anniversary milestone. Visitors will be able to take part in exhibition-related workshops, activities, tours, alongside special anniversary programming across the museum, as well as enjoy a standalone retail offering inspired by the themes of the exhibition.
For images and more information about Zayed National Museum, please visit this folder.
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Zayed National Museum's First Temporary Exhibition Explores 7,000 Years of Camel History
Zayed National Museum's First Temporary Exhibition Explores 7,000 Years of Camel History
Zayed National Museum's First Temporary Exhibition Explores 7,000 Years of Camel History
