National-Level ISSO Championships to Showcase Young Athletes in Football, Judo, and Taekwondo

The upcoming ISSO Championships, hosted by Dhirubhai Ambani International School and Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, will take place from September 18 to October 1, 2026. This significant event will gather over 1,000 young athletes from 145 international schools across India, competing in football, judo, and taekwondo. The championships not only provide a competitive platform but also serve as a pathway for students aspiring to represent their schools at national and international levels. With a legacy of promoting sports, the ISSO aims to nurture young talent while instilling values of teamwork and fair play.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 19, 2026, 20:32 IST

Overview of the Championships

Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) and Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School (NMAJS) are set to host the prestigious International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) Football, Judo, and Taekwondo Championships from September 18 to October 1, 2026. This event will gather over 1,000 student-athletes from 145 international schools across 31 cities, marking one of the largest school sports events in India.

Significance of the Championships

These championships offer a vital platform for young athletes to compete at an elite level. They also serve as a selection route for students aiming to represent ISSO in the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) competitions and the International School Sport Federation (ISF) championships, as highlighted in a press release from the Reliance Foundation.

Championship Participation and Breakdown

1. The ISSO Under-14 Girls Football Championship will see 16 schools vying for the national title. 2. The Judo Championships will feature 210 participants from 17 schools, competing across four age categories, from Under-11 to Under-19. 3. The Taekwondo Championships have attracted 590 athletes from 87 schools, competing in both Poomsae and Kyorugi events across the Under-11 to Under-19 divisions.

A Legacy of Sporting Growth

DAIS and NMAJS have been integral to ISSO for over ten years, significantly contributing to the advancement of competitive school sports in India. DAIS has consistently ranked among the top schools in the ISSO medal tally, with its athletes achieving success at SGFI and ISF championships while representing ISSO India.

Cawas Billimoria, an Olympian and Head of Sports Coaching at DAIS, as well as President of the Organising Committee, remarked on the impressive growth of the ISSO Judo and Taekwondo Championships, noting that participation has surged from single digits in the early years to four-digit numbers today, underscoring the rapid development of school sports in the nation.

Support for Young Athletes

Abhimanyu Basu, Dean of DAIS and NMAJS, and a member of ISSO's Advisory Panel, has played a crucial role in the organisation's growth. His ongoing support for ISSO's mission has been instrumental in enhancing competitive opportunities and establishing pathways for young athletes to advance to national and international levels.

About ISSO

The International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) serves as a premier national platform that unites international schools across India through well-structured competitions in various sports and age categories. Affiliated with the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and recognised by the International School Sport Federation (ISF), ISSO is dedicated to nurturing young sporting talent while fostering values of teamwork, leadership, friendship, and fair play.