4 international schools in Asia nurturing tomorrow’s sports champions

For athletes, the journey to success often begins long before the bright lights of professional arenas. From Serena Williams, who first picked up a racket as a young girl in California, to Michael Phelps, whose Olympic triumphs were built on a foundation of early discipline in swimming pools, it’s clear that many world-class athletes first honed their skills at school.

But sports aren’t just for the future Olympians among us. Research shows that apart from promoting long-term health, involvement in sports at a young age fosters essential life skills — boosting confidence, enhancing social interaction, improving listening and communication abilities. Indeed, participation provides invaluable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and perseverance — skills that will serve anyone well, whether in business, education, or personal growth.

This explains why 95% of Fortune 500 CEOs participated in high school athletics; it also explains why international schools across Asia are increasingly investing in sports and athletics. Here are four prime examples giving students the chance to train under experienced coaches, engage in competitive events, and connect with a diverse community of budding athletes.

Bangkok Patana School

Bangkok Patana School, Thailand’s first and largest British international school, is home to 2,200 students from 65 countries  transforming into lifelong learners who can adapt to an ever-changing world. They benefit from a continuous learning path from Foundation Stage to Senior Studies, following the British national curriculum until Year 11 before switching to the International Baccalaureate programme for Years 12 and 13.

The school’s sports offerings complement its academics, serving as a powerful vehicle for learning and developing character. A big part of its curriculum and extracurricular provision, physical education starts from Nursery until Year 13. Students work with specialist teachers as they explore traditional sports – such as football, basketball and volleyball – and beyond. From horse-riding and taekwondo to Thai boxing and Pilates, there’s a huge array of sports and activities to encourage students to move to learn and learn to move.

Among the school’s many sports programmes, the Tennis Academy shines as a highlight. Tennis players of all ages and skill levels can excel at the school, from Mini-Tennis to Varsity teams competing in the Bangkok International Schools Athletic Conference (BISAC) and South East Asia Student Activities Committee (SEASAC). Its courts are the second facility and the first school in Thailand to receive ITF (International Tennis Federation) certification. Khun Thapanee, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said they “not only benefit the school but also elevate Thailand’s status as a premier destination for education and sports tourism.”

Although the school has produced many champions and rising stars, the win-at-all-costs mentality is eschewed here. Instead, teachers and coaches cheer and celebrate steady improvements from week to week, empowering students to take risks, learn from setbacks, and thrive. Learn more about Bangkok Patana’s “Sports for All” opportunities and apply to the original British school in Bangkok, Thailand today.

Hasim Khan, Head of Physical Education Faculty & Sport at JIS, has over a decade of experience in teaching across the UK and the Middle East. Source: Jerudong International School

Jerudong International School

For parents seeking a school where talent is nurtured with care, Jerudong International School (JIS) in Brunei Darussalam offers a winning combination. Currently home to approximately 1,680 students from 45 countries, the school has world-class sports facilities, including swimming pools, rugby and football pitches, and cutting-edge sports halls, that give students seemingly endless opportunities to pursue their passions — exactly what a JIS education is all about. 

With 300 co-curricular activities, it ensures every child finds their spark, whether they’re perfecting their backstroke, dribbling down the court, or leading their team on the rugby pitch. However, what truly sets sports at JIS apart is its focus on building character alongside athletic talent. 

Students are encouraged to lead by example when stepping into roles like Sports Captains, where they inspire and motivate their peers. JIS’s internal Phoenix League and Phoenix Cup provide a friendly, competitive platform for students of all skill levels to test their abilities, develop resilience, and bond with their teammates. Such initiative prove that here, leadership is less about being the best and more about bringing out the best in others. 

JIS’s Head of Physical Education, Hasim Khan, sums it up perfectly: “At JIS, through offering leadership roles and integrating students of all skill levels, we allow aspiring athletes to develop their talent and inspire others. Our sports leaders leave behind a lasting legacy as role models, both on and off the field.”

Indeed, JIS has produced outstanding athletes over the years who have gone on to make their mark on the global stage. For example, Zeke Chan, an Olympian swimmer at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Basma Lachkar, Brunei’s first gold medalist at the World Games, began their journeys here. Isabel Vele, a former Sports Captain, has gone on to represent Brunei in netball and is currently studying sports in Australia, continuing her journey as an athlete.

Learn more about Jerudong International School’s track record of producing world-class athletes.

Students are offered a holistic approach to their golf education, including physical, mental, and management aspects of the game. Source: Forest City International School

Forest City International School

Nestled in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Forest City International School (FCIS), previously known as Shattuck St Mary’s, is an American-style K12 boarding school that offers education for students aged three to 18. It encourages students to pursue academic, artistic, and athletic pathways, ensuring that each individual’s passion and interests are met.

As Dr Tarik B. Razik, Head of the School, states, “Meeting students where they are and making sure they transition to successful university careers while also nurturing them to be kind and compassionate individuals defines the school’s commitment to holistic development focusing on academic excellence and ethical values.”

With a low student-to-teacher ratio of 4:1 , FCIS provides an environment where every student receives the support needed to excel. As a result, 18% of FCIS graduates have received scholarships from top global universities across the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia .

Beyond academics, FCIS’s Golf Centre of Excellence sets the standard for premier golf training in Asia. Led by Director of Instruction Chris Bronson, this is where students hone the skills necessary for success, both on and off the course.

The Centre caters to all levels of golfers, from beginners honing their basics (like grip, posture, and alignment) to experienced players looking to refine their long and short games using advanced technology like TrackMan and video swing analysis.

SAS swimmers have won 45 gold medals  in the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS) competitions. Source: Singapore American School

Singapore American School

Since its founding in 1956, Singapore American School (SAS) has shaped the futures of students long before Singapore’s independence. What began with 105  students learning in colonial-style bungalows has grown into a community of over 4,100 students  and 433 teachers , all spread across a lush 36-acre campus. Here, the exemplary American educational experience meets an international perspective to provide offering a world-class curriculum and the personal attention every student needs.

SAS’s expansive campus provides many opportunities for exploration, with students engaging in over 300 clubs, service organisations, and after-school activities . One example is the SAS Eagle Club Swimming programme.

At SAS, athletics are key to developing well-rounded individuals. Through sports, students learn grit, ownership, perseverance, teamwork, and communication while building self-esteem that will carry them through life.

The Eagle Swim School follows a five-level structured curriculum that will take you from beginner to expert in no time. It provides practice facilities in two locations on campus: the middle/high school pools (a 10-lane 25-metre pool and a 10-lane 50-metre pool) and the elementary school pool that features a six-lane 25-metre pool and a five-lane 20-metre learning pool. You will start with the Development Swim Team before moving on to the Competitive Swim Team. Water polo training is offered as well.

Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International