Bengaluru: Shourya VA, a class 12 student from the city, has been selected to represent India at International School Sport Federation (ISF) Football World Cup 2026 (boys under-18), to be held in Suzhou, China, from Oct 17 to 26.The defensive midfielder earned a place in the 20-member International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) India playing squad after a rigorous selection process involving some of the country’s top school-level footballers. The tournament, sanctioned by ISSO, will bring together school football teams from across the world.“Earning a spot in the national playing squad and representing India on a global platform is a dream come true,” said Shourya. “I’m grateful to my coaches, teachers and family for their support. Competing against elite international teams is an incredible opportunity, and I look forward to giving my absolute best on the pitch for the country.”Shourya, a student at Indus International School, Bengaluru, is pursuing an IB diploma and hopes to build a career in football beyond playing. He aspires to become a football coach or team manager while also playing at the college level.Shourya began playing football at an early age with Bengaluru Football Club (BFC). He later interned with Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence’s football programme and Bangalore Youth Football League. He has also trained internationally, including at Arsenal Football Club in England.
