Indian Sports Empire Targets Zambia? Adani Money Flexes Muscle in School Athletics
By Mwansa Chisanga for Zed Nation
While Zambia's own school sports struggle for funding and proper infrastructure, an Indian billionaire's wife is pouring serious cash into a private school sports network that has now exploded to over 630 schools. Mrs. Namrata Adani, wife of Indian tycoon Gautam Adani, is the face behind the International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) — a body that is rapidly swallowing up the school sports scene in India and looking outward.
This is not just about kids playing football. This is about strategic control. The Adani group, already a giant in ports, energy, and mining, is now planting its flag in the hearts and minds of young athletes. And with Zambia's own education system often playing second fiddle to foreign interests, we must ask: will our children be the next target for this Indian sports machine?
What is ISSO and Why Should Zambians Care?
ISSO is a private organization that runs sports competitions for international curriculum schools in India. It is recognized by the International School Sport Federation (ISF) and even the International Olympic Committee. But here is the kicker — it is also an approved pathway for participation in India's national school games. That means one family's foundation now has a direct line to shaping India's future Olympians.
For Zambia, this is a warning. While our government talks about sports development, foreign money is already building ecosystems elsewhere. If we are not careful, our best young athletes could be lured by these well-funded foreign programs, leaving our own national teams depleted.
The Numbers Game: 630 Schools and Growing
ISSO's growth is staggering. From 440 schools in 2024-25 to 510 in 2025-26, and now over 630. Student participation jumped from 21,100 to nearly 24,900, and they expect to exceed 28,000 this season. That is more than the entire student-athlete population of some Zambian provinces.
This is not charity. This is a strategic investment. The Adani family knows that controlling youth sports means controlling future talent, future brand loyalty, and future economic influence.
What They Offer: A Glittering Package
ISSO is not just running tournaments. They have built a complete sports machine:
- ISSO IGNITE — Residential high-performance training camps with internationally accredited coaches.
- ISSO Academy — Coach education programs in partnership with global bodies like FIBA, ITTF, BWF, and Kukkiwon.
- SCORE — A career pathway program connecting students with universities and sports industry leaders.
- Golf pathway — A collaboration with the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India.
They are offering everything our own sports ministry should be providing, but with a foreign flag on it.
Namrata Adani Speaks: The Vision
In a statement that could have been written by a PR firm, Mrs. Adani said: “Every child deserves the opportunity to discover the transformative power of sport. At ISSO, we are building an ecosystem where young athletes are encouraged not only to compete, but also to lead, learn and grow.”
Sounds noble, doesn't it? But let us not be naive. This is the same family whose business empire has been accused of environmental damage, market manipulation, and cozying up to politicians. Now they want to shape young minds through sport. Zambians should be wary of such corporate philanthropy — it always comes with strings attached.
What About Zambia's Own School Sports?
While India's private sector is building sports empires, our own school sports system is held together by tape and prayers. The Zambia Schools Sports Association (ZASSP) struggles with funding, equipment shortages, and a lack of qualified coaches. Our young athletes often have to choose between sport and school because there is no structured pathway.
We need to ask our leaders: Why are we letting foreign billionaires dominate the conversation while our own children run barefoot on dusty fields?
The Coming Season: What ISSO Has Planned
From September 2026, ISSO will host national championships in Football, Tennis, Chess, Swimming, Judo, Taekwondo, Karate, and Badminton. That is eight major sports, all under one private banner. Meanwhile, our own national championships are often delayed or cancelled due to lack of funds.
This is not about hating on India. This is about protecting Zambia. We must build our own sports infrastructure, our own coaching programs, and our own pathways to excellence. If we don't, we will be feeding our best talent to foreign systems that have no loyalty to our nation.
FAQ: What Zambians Need to Know
Could ISSO expand to Zambia?
It is possible. The organization has shown ambitions beyond India. If they do come, they will offer shiny programs and promises of international exposure. But Zambians must ask: who benefits? Our children or their brand?
What can Zambia learn from ISSO's model?
We can learn that private investment in sports works — but it must be Zambian-led. We need our own billionaires and corporations to step up and fund school sports, not wait for foreign saviors.
Is the Adani family controversial?
Yes. The Adani Group has faced multiple allegations of stock manipulation, environmental violations, and political interference. Their entry into sports should be viewed with the same skepticism as their entry into any other sector.
What should Zambia do now?
Our government must prioritize school sports funding, create pathways for young athletes, and resist the temptation to hand over our sports ecosystem to foreign interests. Zambia's future athletes belong to Zambia.
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Mwansa Chisanga writes for Zed Nation, standing for Zambian sovereignty and the voice of the people.
Photo: NDTVSports.com