Page 129 - DAIS Insignia 2024-2025

ISF BAHRAIN
SPORTS

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

ISF Bahrain '24 will always hold the most special place for me in Sports because
earned a silver medal in a sport I've been so passionate about since age 5. My
dedication, hard work & passion for Taekwondo earned me respect from not only my
country, but also my school & the sporting community at large. The Indian Embassy
honoured me, which was truly momentous because they recognised me as the first
ZAHAAN KAPADIA ever Indian to bring home a medal for this sport at the ISF level. Being a National,
State & District winner all in a single year earned me the selection for this most
prestigious event. ISF has the most challenging competition from over 70 countries & I was humbled the moment I won
for India. My opponents are a tremendous force to recon with & train daily under their skilled coaches. I went into every
bout with confidence, gave it my best.
As we reflect on the past year, it is with immense pride and satisfaction that I present the Annual Report for our Sports A year later, my brother Ilaan wins… To hold the titles of siblings being the first and second medallists for India, in
Programme. This year has been marked by outstanding achievements, enthusiastic participation, and a deepening of our
school’s vibrant sporting culture. consecutive years. This feat will be difficult to match. - Zahaan Kapadia
Our team successfully curated and conducted a series of events that not only highlighted our students’ athletic talents but
also strengthened community bonds. The Primary, Middle School, and Secondary Annual Athletic Meets were executed Representing India in taekwondo at the ISF Gymnasiade Bahrain,
with precision and spirit along with the first-ever Little Nest Sports Days and the EYC Athletic Meet, where the enthusiastic 2024-25, was a dream realized after more than a decade dedicated to
participation of parents and grandparents in races and relays added a unique sense of camaraderie and celebration. The the sport. Winning two bronze medals for India, in recognised
recent Padel Tennis weekend added to this spirit, with parents playing through heat and injury, while others came to cheer, poomsae and kyorugi, felt miraculous. This competition wasn't
share a slice of pizza, and connect over chaat and sport. The camaraderie was infectious, and anticipation is already showcasing my skills; it was about connecting with amazing athletes
building for the next tournament. from across the globe and learning from some of the very best.
The ‘Fit India’ movement echoed across our grounds, and our students stood tall on international platforms. From Initially, watching the performances of other competitors, a wave of
Taekwondo, Judo, and Tennis at the International School Games in Bahrain (U17) and Serbia (U15), to Squash, where our
Under-11 student is currently ranked in the top 3 in both India and Asia—our athletes have made us proud. In Tennis (Boys doubt washed over me – they seemed unbeatable. Yet, I knew I had to
U14), a student ranked 2nd in Maharashtra and 15th nationally is testament to our rising talent. try my best and give it everything. Years of relentless training boiled
Roller-skating saw several of our students crowned National Champions. One of them, in a remarkable feat, won an down to those 2-3 minutes. And in that moment, it all felt worthwhile.
Balancing demanding academics, with international math board
international tournament in Taiwan and will now represent India at the Asian Championships in Korea. Our students also FREEYAH GOLIA
achieved notable results in table tennis, chess, and aquatics at city, state, and national levels. exams looming just before the competition, pushed me to my limits.
A major highlight of the year was the successful hosting of the ISSO National Judo Tournament—the first sporting event at But the sacrifices and hard work paid off. This experience has fuelled my determination to train even harder and
continuously improve. The memories forged in Bahrain will forever inspire me on this journey. - Freeyah Golia
the NMAJS auditorium. Additionally, the Inter-House Swimming Gala was held across two days at Otters Club and saw
enthusiastic participation and team spirit.
In team sports, our Girls’ Football teams delivered exceptional performances. The Under-17 team placed 2nd at the ISSO
tournament in Indore, while the Under-12 team clinched 1st at the MSSA Championships. At the ISSO Under-11 FENCING
tournament hosted by Singapore International School, our girls claimed the gold medal. In basketball, the Girls’ Under-12
team earned the silver medal at the MSSA Championships.
In cricket, one of our students was selected to play for Thane in the prestigious Mumbai Premier League following the Kiara Purandare
Mumbai Cricket Auction. • ISSO U17 Gold in Epee,
This year, over 11,800 students from 280 schools competed in 22 sports at the ISSO tournaments. Our school proudly Gold in Foil

finished second among international schools in India—a phenomenal achievement. • District U17 Individual Silver
• Maharashtra State Individual
Academically, our students matched their athletic success with stellar results. Physical Education results were exceptional, U17 Bronze
reflecting both understanding and commitment. In SEHS, IGCSE, and ICSE, several students achieved top grades, with one • Maharashtra State Junior
IGCSE student topping India. Team Silver
The achievements of our sports program over the past year have been exceptional. The hard work of our athletes, the support Vionna Shroff
from parents, heads, teachers, and the unwavering commitment of our coaching staff have all contributed to a thriving sports • ISSO U14 Silver in Epee, Silver
culture within our institution. As we move forward, we are excited to build on this foundation by formalising parent interest in Saber
groups, strengthening our coaching pathways, and expanding specialised programmes. We are also reviewing the • Maharashtra State Team U14
structure of our teams to create greater distinction between Physical Education and high-performance coaching, ensuring Gold
each student’s journey is guided with precision, care, and ambition.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Abhimanyu Basu, our Dean and CEO, for his keen interest in both the organisation Vedikka Srinivvasan
and coaching of sporting activities, as well as his commitment to academic excellence in Physical Education. • 16th Mini and 5th Child State
His contributions have significantly shaped the success of our programme. Fencing Championship - U10
years - Epee category - Nashik
We also offer special thanks to our Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for their vision and continued support in expanding on 5 June 2024 Bronze medal
opportunities for our students by providing world-class sporting infrastructure on our campus. • National Fencing Championship

As we look ahead, we remain committed to nurturing talent, fostering discipline, and promoting sportsmanship across all - U10 years Epee category -
levels. Nashik on 5 June 2024 -
Cawas Billimoria OLY Cuttack on 17 June 2024 ronze
medal
Sports Director VIONNA SHROFF & KIARA PURANDARE VEDIKKA SRINIVVASAN

126 127