Oberoi International School Crowned Champions at ISSO Nationals
Oberoi International School Mumbai crowned champions of the ISSO National U-14 Boys Football Championship after a thrilling final in Ajmer.
In a thrilling display of youth athleticism and tactical prowess, Oberoi International School (JVLR), Mumbai, has emerged as the champions of the International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) National Under-14 Boys Football Championship. The tournament, which culminated in a high-stakes final, saw the Mumbai-based side secure a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Jayshree Periwal International School (JPIS), Jaipur.
A Grand Stage at Mayo College
The iconic grounds of Mayo College in Ajmer, Rajasthan, served as the backdrop for this prestigious event from October 21 to 25. The five-day championship was a massive undertaking, bringing together 51 teams and approximately 1,000 athletes and coaches from various parts of India. The event provided a critical platform for young footballers to demonstrate their skill sets, sportsmanship, and understanding of the game.
The tournament structure tested the endurance and strategy of the participants, who had to navigate through intense group stages and knockout rounds to reach the summit clash.
The Road to the Final
The path to the championship trophy was paved with dominant performances. Oberoi International School cruised into the final after a commanding 3–0 victory over PSG Clifton in the second semi-final.
Their opponents in the final, JPIS Jaipur, had secured their spot following a convincing 2–0 win against Nahar International School in the first semi-final. While JPIS put up a spirited fight in the final, Oberoi International School's 2–1 win sealed their status as the national champions.
In the battle for the third-place spot, PSG Clifton claimed victory with a decisive 3–0 win over Nahar International School in the playoff match.
Individual Brilliance: A Clean Sweep for Mumbai
The dominance of Oberoi International School (JVLR) extended beyond the team trophy, as their players swept all three major individual awards of the tournament:
- Golden Boot: Awarded to MiKhail Mahimwala for his exceptional goal-scoring record.
- Promising Player of the Tournament: Awarded to Aryan Sheth.
- Golden Gloves: Awarded to goalkeeper Yohan Rupani for his stellar saves and defensive leadership.
Commitment to Grassroots Sports
Aakanksha Thapak, Director of ISSO, emphasized the importance of such competitions in shaping the character of young athletes. She noted that bringing together such a large number of participants is a testament to the growing passion for school sports in India.
“The ISSO National Under-14 Boys Football Championship reflects our continued commitment to creating meaningful competitive opportunities for young athletes across India... Beyond the results on the field, tournaments like these help young players develop discipline, teamwork and resilience,” said Thapak.
The event was attended by Sourav Sinha, Principal of Mayo College, and Aakanksha Thapak, who both encouraged the athletes throughout the five days. ISSO expressed its gratitude to Mayo College for providing the necessary sporting infrastructure and organizational support to make the event a success.
By fostering a culture that balances performance with character development, the ISSO continues to strengthen the grassroots pathway for young Indian athletes to excel in the world of sports.