DBIS Sweeps Titles at ISSO Handball Championship 2026
Don Bosco International School sweeps three titles at the ISSO Handball Championship 2026 in Mumbai as participation surges.
The momentum for handball in school sports is reaching new heights. The ISSO Handball Championship 2026 recently concluded in Mumbai, showcasing a significant surge in interest and talent as 15 schools battled it out over two intense days of competition.
Hosted by the Don Bosco International School (DBIS) in Mumbai, the tournament marked the second edition of handball on the International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) calendar. Since its introduction last year, the sport has seen a marked increase in both the number of participating institutions and the intensity of the matches played across various age groups.
Don Bosco International School Dominates the Court
The host school, DBIS, turned the championship into a personal showcase of dominance, securing three of the four major titles available. The athletes from DBIS displayed exceptional skill and teamwork to claim victory in the majority of the categories.
U14 Category Results
- U14 Boys: DBIS emerged as the champions, leaving Amulakh to take the runners-up spot, while CHIREC finished in third place.
- U14 Girls: DBIS continued their winning streak, securing the title ahead of VIBGYOR, who finished as runners-up, and Amulakh in third.
U17 Category Results
- U17 Boys: DBIS completed their hat-trick of titles by winning the U17 Boys category, finishing ahead of VIBGYOR and CHIREC.
- U17 Girls: The dominance was finally broken in the girls' senior category, where VIBGYOR claimed the championship title. DBIS finished as runners-up, with Utpal securing the third position.
A Growing Discipline for ISSO
The rapid expansion of the tournament highlights the rising profile of handball within the international school sports circuit. The competition featured spirited performances in both the Under-14 and Under-17 categories for both boys and girls, proving that the depth of talent is increasing year on year.
Abhishek Saraswat, Admin Head of ISSO, noted the positive trajectory of the sport. He stated that the enthusiasm and increased participation seen in only the second year of handball's inclusion on the ISSO calendar is highly encouraging. He added that the response from both schools and individual athletes reflects a growing interest that the organization aims to build upon in future editions.
As the championship concluded, it became evident that handball is quickly establishing itself as a prominent discipline within the ISSO sporting programme, driven by the high level of competition witnessed in Mumbai.