ISSO National Athletics Championship: A Showcase of Young Talent in Gurugram

The ISSO National Athletics Championship in Gurugram brought together around 800 student-athletes from 104 schools, showcasing their talents in various track and field events. With inspiring speeches from Paralympian Rampal Chahar and impressive performances across multiple categories, the event highlighted the rising standards of school sports in India. Sanjay Ghodawat International School emerged as the overall champion, while numerous individual athletes excelled, winning multiple gold medals. The championship concluded with a grand ceremony celebrating the dedication and achievements of these young athletes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2026, 16:28 IST

ISSO Hosts National Athletics Championship in Gurugram

The International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) recently held its National Athletics Championship at the renowned Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Gurugram, Haryana. This event attracted approximately 800 student-athletes from 104 schools nationwide. Over three days, competitors participated in various track and field events across Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories for both genders, providing a valuable opportunity for young athletes to demonstrate their skills and vie for top honors.

Inauguration and Inspirational Messages

The championship kicked off with an uplifting opening ceremony, featuring Chief Guest Rampal Chahar, a distinguished Indian Paralympian and Asian Para Games medallist. During the flag-hoisting and march-past, Chahar inspired the young athletes by discussing the importance of perseverance, athletic discipline, and overcoming challenges to succeed on the global stage. Gaurav Dixit, Director of ISSO, expressed pride in the event, stating, "Our goal at ISSO is to create robust, professional sporting platforms for student-athletes in international schools. Witnessing young athletes break personal records at Tau Devi Lal Stadium reflects the growing standards of school sports in India. Congratulations to all winners and participants, and special thanks to Rampal Chahar for motivating our future champions."

Overall Championship Results

Sanjay Ghodawat International School emerged as the Overall School Champion, amassing an impressive 176 points. Indus International School, Hyderabad, followed as the first runner-up with 109 points, while CS Academy International secured the second runner-up position with 77 points, concluding a fiercely competitive three-day event.

Individual Championships and Star Performers

The championship highlighted numerous exceptional individual performances across six age and gender divisions, with several athletes winning gold in multiple events. In the Under-14 Boys category, Jaxon Keats Hall from The British School, New Delhi, stood out by winning gold in the 100m (11.76s), 200m (24.34s), and the 4x100m Relay. Jayden Pereira from St. Stanislaus International School also had a remarkable performance, securing gold in the 400m (58.55s) and silver in both the 100m and 200m. In field events, Dev Eeshwar Kalaimani from Vaels International School achieved double gold, winning the Shot Put with a throw of 11.96m and the Discus Throw with 39.79m.

Under-17 and Under-19 Boys Divisions

In the Under-17 Boys division, Zohraab Abraham K from Neev Academy delivered an impressive triple-gold performance, winning the 200m (22.49s), 400m (50.27s), and 110m Hurdles (15.59s). Om Eeshwar Kalaimani from Vaels International School excelled in throwing events, clinching gold in Shot Put (16.18m) and Discus Throw (37.03m). In the Under-19 Boys category, Mukund Verma from NH Goel World School took gold in both the Long Jump (6.66m) and Triple Jump (13.73m), in addition to a bronze in the 100m. Vishal Prajwal from Indus International School, Bengaluru, won gold in the 110m Hurdles (16.78s) and Javelin Throw (44.87m), along with a silver in the High Jump.

Girls Category Standouts

In the Under-14 Girls division, Utkarshini Bhovad from Brainiacs International showcased her talent by winning three gold medals in the 200m (27.02s), 400m (1:03.46), and 600m (1:49.65). Keya Patel from Ahmedabad International School also achieved a triple-gold finish, winning the 80m Hurdles (12.44s), Long Jump (4.94m), and High Jump (1.40m). Zia Sanghvi from JBCN International School, Parel, excelled in throwing events, winning gold in Shot Put (10.88m) and Discus Throw (28.90m).

Under-17 and Under-19 Girls Highlights

The Under-17 Girls division saw Akshara Sree Bhuvanesh from CS Academy International win gold in the Long Jump (5.15m) and Triple Jump (11.23m). Ananya Venkatesan from KC High International School showcased her endurance, winning gold in the 800m (2:34.47), 1500m (5:33.82), and 3000m (12:22.94). Saroj Kale from Ashoka Global Academy also had a successful championship, winning gold in the 200m (26.79s) and 400m (1:03.77), along with a silver in the 800m. In the Under-19 Girls category, Diya Joshi from Indus International School, Pune, won three gold medals in the 200m (26.60s), 100m Hurdles (16.72s), and Long Jump (5.10m). Esha Gurjar from NH Goel World School also completed a treble of gold medals in the middle and long-distance events, winning the 800m (2:35.12), 1500m (5:15.00), and 3000m (11:39.89).

Conclusion and Recognition

The championship concluded with a grand medal distribution and trophy presentation ceremony, honoring the top achievers in track and field across all age divisions and celebrating their dedication, competitive spirit, and sportsmanship.