In a shining example of how sports can bridge cultures and open doors, 12 young footballers from Ashoka Group of Schools, Nashik travelled to Budapest, Hungary, from May 18 to May 25, 2025, for an intensive international football exposure tour. The trip offered not only competitive matches and rigorous training, but also a unique chance to explore global opportunities in the field of sports.
The initiative, facilitated in partnership with the Budapest Sports Association, was steered by Dr. Dinesh Sabnis, Assistant General Manager Sports and Activities at Ashoka Group of Schools. His vision was clear: to create a platform where Indian students could experience global standards of sport and education firsthand.
A Global Football Experience with a Winning Edge
The students, forming the U-16 Boys Football Team, took part in a series of friendly matches against competitive Hungarian football clubs. These matches were more than just sporting events they were learning experiences that challenged the team to adapt to new play styles, strategies, and environments.
The highlight of the tour was Ashoka’s participation in an International Football League Tournament, where they competed with teams from three other countries. Displaying exceptional teamwork, grit, and discipline, the Ashoka team secured a commendable 3rd place, earning accolades and praise for their performance on foreign soil.
Providing guidance and mentorship throughout the journey was Mr. Nagesh Rajmane, Head of the Sports Department, Ashoka Universal School, whose leadership helped the students stay focused and inspired throughout the international challenge.
Expanding Minds: A Deeper Look into the World of Sports
Beyond the football field, the tour offered several enriching experiences aimed at broadening the students’ perspectives on sports careers and global education.
A major highlight was a visit to the Sports University in Budapest, a premier institution known for producing world-class sports professionals. Here, the students were introduced to potential career pathways in areas such as sports medicine, physiotherapy, coaching, analytics, and sports management. The session gave them valuable insights into how their love for football could translate into lifelong professional pursuits.
The team also benefited from an intensive mentorship session with internationally certified coaches from Hungary and Bulgaria. This session covered advanced training techniques, tactical awareness, and personalized feedback providing the players with an understanding of how elite athletes train and think.
A Vision Beyond Borders
“This tour wasn’t just about football. It was about nurturing the mindset of global learners,” said Dr. Dinesh Sabnis.
“When our students engage with international coaches, institutions, and peers, they begin to understand the true scale of opportunities that exist in the sports world. That awareness is transformative.”
Such initiatives reflect Ashoka Group of Schools’ growing emphasis on holistic development and international collaboration, ensuring that students are prepared not just for exams but for real-world experiences that shape character, build confidence, and fuel ambition.
Creating the Next Generation of Global Athletes
The success of this tour marks a significant milestone in Ashoka’s journey to integrate global exposure into its sports education model. From stepping onto foreign football fields to stepping into world-class universities, the students returned with a renewed sense of purpose and a broader vision for their future.
The event also sets a benchmark for other Indian educational institutions looking to invest in international sports education and student empowerment. As these young athletes continue to grow, the lessons learned in Hungary on and off the pitch will remain with them for life.
