Daily Mirror.news, Hyderabad,November 1st,2025: The ISSO National Games – Athletics Championship 2025-26 commenced with grandeur at the renowned Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, uniting over 800 athletes from 90 premier schools across India offering international curricula, including IB, Cambridge, German, and American boards.

Organized by the International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO)—officially recognized by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and the International School Sport Federation (ISF)—this championship stands as India’s premier competitive platform for international-curriculum schools, paving pathways from national to global sporting excellence.

Co-hosted by Indus International School, Hyderabad, which provided comprehensive academic, logistical, and hospitality support, the event leverages the world-class facilities of Gachibowli Stadium to deliver an Olympic-caliber experience for all track and field competitions.

The opening ceremony showcased an energetic march-past, the ISSO athlete’s oath, and the ceremonial torch lighting, launching three days of fierce competition from October 30 to November 1. Events include sprints, relays, distance races, jumps, and throws across Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories for both boys and girls.

Ms. Aakanksha Thapak, Director of ISSO, remarked: “Athletics represents discipline, resilience, and the essence of pure competition.

Hosting this championship in Hyderabad, in collaboration with Indus International School and utilizing Gachibowli Stadium’s elite infrastructure, aligns with our commitment to raising school sports in India to global benchmarks—and our goal of building a vibrant sporting nation where every student-athlete excels.”

Backed by the Adani Group as the Primary Partner and Qua as the Hydration Partner, the event upholds ISSO’s focus on quality, safety, and holistic athlete development in every discipline.

Featuring top IB, Cambridge, German, and American curriculum schools, the Hyderabad edition embodies the ISSO motto—“One Vision. One Sporting Nation.”—honoring unity, excellence, and the boundless energy of youth sports in India.