ISSO’s SCORE 2026 Highlights Expanding Career Horizons in Sports Industry

The International School Sports Organisation (ISSO) successfully hosted SCORE 2026: Reimagining Sports Career Opportunities at Lancers International School, Gurgaon , positioning sports as a dynamic and multi-dimensional career ecosystem for the next generation.

The event served as a comprehensive platform for students, parents, and educators to understand how the sports industry is rapidly evolving beyond the playing field . The day commenced with registrations, welcome remarks, and a formal inauguration, followed by a keynote address by Remus D’Cruz , Global Head of Brand Strategy at Apollo Tyres .

A key highlight was The Business of Sports panel, moderated by Kala Anand , Director, Sports Advisory at KPMG India . The panel featured industry leaders including Pablo Tachil , Neel Shah , and representatives from the GMR Group . Discussions underscored how sports today intersects with commerce, finance, media, and entrepreneurship , making it a viable and scalable career path . Speakers also emphasised the growing importance of sports education in unlocking global opportunities.

The Sports Science & Tech panel brought together experts including Megha Gambhir, Abhigyan Shekhar, Mudit Krishnani, Kevin Sireau, and Aditi Chauhan. The session explored performance psychology, innovation, and inclusivity , highlighting how science and technology are shaping the future of sport .

Speaking at the event, Remus D’Cruz noted that modern sport operates at the intersection of culture, commerce, and community , offering vast opportunities across branding, media, and fan engagement . Aakanksha Thapak , Director of ISSO, said SCORE aims to broaden perceptions of sports careers beyond athletes, promoting structured and credible opportunities across multiple domains.

Another key session by Acumen focused on emerging global career pathways , emphasising how international exposure and structured guidance can help students convert passion into profession. The event concluded with a roundtable for school leaders and counsellors , followed by a Sports Career Expo that enabled direct engagement with universities and organisations, reinforcing sport as a global industry with immense potential for career growth and innovation.