The International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) Academy, in partnership with the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Academy and FIBA, has successfully wrapped up its three-city PE Educators Upskill Program. The final Level 1 Coach Education certification took place at Greenwood High in Sarjapur, Bengaluru, from July 1 to 6.
Programme led by former India head coach Veselin Matic
The sessions were led by Serbian coach Veselin Matic, former head coach of the Indian men's basketball team. He guided participants through internationally recognized coaching methods, player development principles, and modern basketball teaching practices, according to a press release.
Originally planned as a single-city initiative in Gurugram, the programme expanded to three cities after strong demand from physical education educators across India.
Three-city expansion and participation
The first edition took place at The Shri Ram School, Aravali, Gurugram, from May 25 to June 2. The second was held at Ascend International School, Mumbai, from June 3 to 8. The final edition concluded at Greenwood High, Sarjapur, Bengaluru, from July 1 to 6. Each edition brought together 15 carefully selected PE educators and basketball coaches, offering an immersive, internationally aligned learning experience.
Matic on Indian coaches' eagerness to learn
Speaking after the programme, Veselin Matic said, "When we started this initiative, the plan was to work with one group of educators. The response we received showed how eager teachers and coaches in India are to learn and embrace modern coaching methods. Across Gurugram, Mumbai and Bengaluru, I met educators who are deeply committed to their students and passionate about improving every day. Coach education creates a multiplier effect because every teacher returns to inspire hundreds of young athletes. That is how long-term sporting success is built."
ISSO's vision for grassroots sport
Aakanksha Thapak, Director of ISSO, said, "The success of this programme is a reflection of the growing demand for world-class coach education in India's school ecosystem. At ISSO, we firmly believe that investing in educators is one of the most impactful ways to strengthen grassroots sport. By partnering with globally recognised organisations like FIBA and ISF Academy, we are ensuring that Indian Physical Education teachers and coaches have access to international standards, best practices and learning opportunities that ultimately benefit every student-athlete."
Broader impact and future initiatives
The three-city FIBA Coach Education Programme marks a significant milestone in ISSO's mission to elevate school sports through international collaborations. In recent months, ISSO has delivered globally recognised coach education programmes across multiple sports, including partnerships with the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters), and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). It also strengthened sporting pathways through its partnership with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). Additionally, ISSO recently represented India at the ISF Basketball Championship 2026 in Serbia.
