Universities of India recognize leadership

advancing global volleyball

December 15, 2025.- Leading Indian universities, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), have conferred the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) and a Lifetime Achievement Award on FIVB President Fabio Azevedo in recognition of the FIVB’s work in advancing global volleyball as a platform for social development.

KIIT, ranked 5th amongst all universities in India in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, presented at a Special Convocation on 13 December 2025 and highlighted the success of the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 in providing a clear long-term framework to guide the growth of volleyball worldwide.

The Vision sets out a clear objective: to expand global engagement in volleyball from 800 million to 1.6 billion people by 2032. It prioritizes grassroots development and accessibility alongside elite performance, ensuring that the growth of volleyball is both inclusive and sustainable.

The Awards were in recognition of the FIVB’s work in advancing global volleyball as a platform for social development

These principles align closely with the missions of KIIT and KISS, whose education and sport-for-development initiatives demonstrate how opportunity can be created through structured support, particularly for young people.

Speaking on the Vision, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo emphasized the collective responsibility behind volleyball’s growth.

“By 2032, we want 1.6 billion people to be engaged in volleyball around the world. We believe in the power of sport to bring people together and to transform lives. Volleyball requires collaboration and inclusion – values that our world needs today. We are here to serve the sport and to leave it better than we found it. Thank you to KIIT and KISS for being partners in this mission.”