Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 25: The ISSO Indian team returned home after participating in the ISF Basketball Championship 2026 held in Zlatibor, Serbia, gaining valuable international exposure while competing against some of the world's top school basketball teams.
The championship, held from June 13 to 23, brought together young athletes from 28 countries, offering a global platform for competition, learning and cultural exchange.
Representing India were 21 student-athletes, including 10 girls and 11 boys, selected by the International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) India through its national talent identification and selection process. The players hailed from leading international schools in Gurgaon, Delhi, Mumbai and Dehradun.
The tournament provided the Indian contingent with an opportunity to test their skills against high-quality international opposition and gain first-hand experience of diverse playing styles and competitive standards at the global level.
Apart from the on-court action, the event enabled participants to interact with student-athletes from different countries, promoting cultural understanding and reinforcing values such as friendship, respect and sportsmanship.
Gaurav Dixit, Founding Director of ISSO, said the championship offered a unique learning experience that goes beyond domestic competition.
"Playing against international opposition, adapting to different styles of basketball and experiencing a world-class sporting environment helps accelerate the development of young athletes. The team displayed commendable commitment and professionalism throughout the tournament," he said.
According to ISSO, the experience is expected to contribute significantly to the long-term growth of the players, helping them build confidence, broaden their perspectives and prepare for future opportunities in the sport.
The participation in the ISF Basketball Championship 2026 marks another step in ISSO India's efforts to provide international sporting exposure and holistic development opportunities for student-athletes while nurturing emerging basketball talent in the country.