ISF WSC Basketball 2026 Officially Opens in Zlatibor
Jun. 14, Zlatibor, Serbia – The ISF World School Basketball Championship – Zlatibor, Serbia 2026 was officially declared open on Sunday evening, as more than 900 participants across five continents gathered in the heart of Zlatibor to celebrate the beginning of one of the largest ISF World School Championships organised since the pandemic.
Following the tradition established during the ISF U15 Gymnasiade 2025, the Opening Ceremony once again took place in Zlatibor's central town square, where student-athletes proudly marched in the Parade of Delegations before local residents, volunteers, and distinguished guests, transforming the town centre into a celebration of international school sport.
The ceremony was attended by high level delegates from ISF, Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Serbia, local municipality of the region, and participating delegations. Official addresses were delivered by Milan Stamatović, President of the Municipality of Čajetina, Ratko Nikolić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Sport of Serbia, and ISF President Željko Tanasković.
Welcoming the participants to Zlatibor, the speakers highlighted the importance of school sport in bringing young people together through competition, education, and cultural exchange. They also acknowledged the efforts of the organisers, volunteers, coaches, officials, and local authorities whose commitment made the championship possible.
In his address, President Tanasković encouraged the student-athletes to embrace the championship as an opportunity not only to compete, but also to learn from one another, build friendships, and experience the values of respect, fair play, and international understanding that define the ISF movement. He reaffirmed ISF's commitment to connecting young people worldwide through sport and education, thanking everyone involved in delivering another major international school sport event.
The Opening Ceremony featured music and cultural performances, officially launching one week of basketball competition and educational activities. Alongside the matches, participants will also take part in ISF Academy workshops on safeguarding and anti-doping, as well as intercultural programmes designed to foster dialogue, friendship, and personal development beyond the court.
For Zlatibor, the championship represents another milestone in the city's growing relationship with International Federations. Following the successful hosting of the ISF U15 Gymnasiade in 2025, the city once again welcomes the global school sport community, further strengthening its reputation as an experienced host for international sport events.
