ISSO India basketball team gains global exposure at ISF Championship in Serbia
New Delhi, June 25
The ISSO Indian team returned with invaluable international experience after competing at the ISF Basketball Championship 2026, held in Zlatibor, Serbia, from June 13-23.
Representing the country on a global stage, the student-athletes showcased their talent, resilience, and sporting spirit while competing against some of the best school basketball teams from around the world, according to a release.
The team, announced by the International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) India, comprised talented student-athletes in both boys' and girls' categories, selected from leading international schools across Gurgaon, Delhi, Mumbai, and Dehradun.
The players earned their places through ISSO's rigorous national talent identification and selection process, reflecting the growing depth of basketball talent within India's international school ecosystem.
28 countries participated in the championships, and 21 players, including 10 girls and 11 boys, represented the ISSO Indian team at the event.
Competing at the ISF Basketball Championship provided the young athletes with a unique opportunity to test themselves against high-quality international opposition, experience different styles of play, and gain firsthand exposure to elite school-level basketball.
The tournament also allowed the players to interact with student-athletes from various countries, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening the values of friendship, respect, and global sporting camaraderie, the release said.
Gaurav Dixit, Founding Director, ISSO, said, "The opportunity to compete at the ISF Basketball Championship provides our student-athletes with exposure that cannot be replicated in a domestic environment. Playing against international opposition, adapting to different styles of basketball, and experiencing a world-class sporting ecosystem helps accelerate their development. We are delighted with the commitment and professionalism shown by the team throughout the championship. These experiences are instrumental in building confidence, broadening perspectives, and preparing young athletes for future success on the global stage."
Throughout the championship, the ISSO Indian team demonstrated determination and professionalism, gaining valuable lessons both on and off the court. The experience is expected to play a significant role in the athletes' long-term development as they continue their sporting journeys.
The participation in the ISF Basketball Championship 2026 marks another important milestone in ISSO India's mission to provide international sporting opportunities and holistic development experiences for student-athletes, helping nurture the next generation of Indian sporting talent.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some good news about school sports! The selection process from top schools sounds rigorous. Would love to see more grassroots development in smaller towns too though - not just Gurgaon, Delhi, Mumbai.
As someone who follows basketball, this is genuinely encouraging. India has the raw talent, just needs proper exposure. 21 players, 10 girls and 11 boys - great gender balance too. Let's hope this leads to more international friendlies.
Kya baat hai! Our kids playing in Serbia, learning different styles, making friends globally. This cultural exchange is as important as the basketball itself. 🔥 Hope ISSO expands this to more sports.
Respect to the kids and coaches for representing India. But honestly, 28 countries isn't that many for a world championship. Hope we can compete with top basketball nations next time. Baby steps I guess.
Nurturing the next generation of Indian sporting talent - exactly what we need! Instead of just cricket, kids should explore basketball, football, and other sports. ISSO seems to get it right. Kudos to Gaurav Dixit and the team.
This is fantastic! As a basketball fan, it's great to see Indian
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