Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Friday, 26 June presided over the signing of a tripartite agreement between the Delhi government, the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), and the International School Sport Federation (ISF), securing the national capital's right to host the ISF World School Wrestling Championship and the ISF World School Badminton Championship in 2027. The twin events will mark the first time Delhi has hosted ISF World School Championships.

What the Agreement Covers

The tripartite pact formalises Delhi's role as the host city for both championships, which are expected to draw more than 1,000 athletes from over 50 countries. Alongside competitors, the events will bring together coaches, technical officials, and delegates from across the globe. According to Minister Sood, preparations for the championships are already underway.

What the Government Said

'The prestigious sporting events — ISF World School Wrestling Championship and the ISF World School Badminton Championship in Delhi — will feature more than 1,000 athletes from over 50 countries, further strengthening the city's global sporting identity,' Minister Sood said. He added that the agreement would boost the morale of young athletes, sharpen their competitive edge, and expose them to world-class facilities and international-level competition.

Delhi's Expanding Sports Calendar

The ISF championships are not Delhi's only upcoming international sporting assignment. Minister Sood noted that the city will also host the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships before the 2027 school sports events. Together, these fixtures are intended to cement Delhi's standing as a capable and recurring host for major international competitions. He credited Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's leadership for the government's sustained push to develop world-class sports infrastructure across the capital.

Broader National Significance

Minister Sood framed the championships within the wider ambitions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Khelo India' and 'Fit India' programmes, arguing that hosting elite school-level international events gives Indian student-athletes an invaluable platform to compete globally. This comes amid a broader national effort to position India as a global sporting powerhouse — a goal that has gained momentum through increased infrastructure investment and a growing international events calendar. Notably, school-level international exposure is increasingly seen as a pipeline for future Olympic and Commonwealth Games representation.

What Happens Next

With the agreement signed, the Delhi government, SGFI, and ISF will now move into the organisational phase, coordinating venues, logistics, and athlete accreditation. Minister Sood expressed confidence that the championships will be delivered 'in a grand manner,' and officials indicated that further details on timelines and venue allocations will be announced in the coming months.