By Nick Yates, ISB Communications
Published on Monday, September 15, 2025
The courts are waiting. The stands will soon be filled with cheers, applause, and the unmistakable buzz of competition.
For the International School of Beijing (ISB), hosting a big sports tournament provides not just an opportunity for student athletes to compete at a high level of competition but also an occasion for the whole school community to revel in the atmosphere. For the players on the courts and the fans in the bleachers, these are the peak moments that school memories are made of.
With such a crackling atmosphere guaranteed, anticipation is building at ISB for China Cup Tennis this Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20. The school will welcome Varsity teams from Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Beijing for this premier tournament. Forty players will battle it out on the courts, fueled by passion, dedication and months of preparation.
We encourage all ISB community members to come and cheer on the Dragons – and to help provide the warmest of welcomes for the visiting athletes and fans.
More than a tournament
For those that have not experienced China Cup, it is a showcase conference that offers Varsity athletes from international schools the chance to compete across the country in a range of sports. While the Varsity tennis stars will ace ISB this weekend, our baseballers and volleyballers will be on the road to other cities for their China Cup tournaments.
ISB co-founded China Cup with two other international schools over 20 years ago. Our shelves of trophies from tournaments over the decades hold many from China Cup.
ISB is a regular host of China Cup tournaments – an affirmation of our facilities on this world-class campus, and our success in staging big events. For a second consecutive year, our domed, state-of-the-art Fitness and Tennis Center will be the venue for China Cup Tennis.
And there are high expectations of ISB’s tennis players this week. With this year’s China Cup squad almost unchanged from the 2024 tournament, they’re an experienced bunch and have tasted success at other tournaments.
Reasons to come out and support
China Cup isn’t just for the athletes – it’s also inspiring for the wider community including younger students. At ISB, events like China Cup are organized as community centerpieces – ways for students, parents, staff, alumni, and guests to have fun together and form connections, while celebrating learning, culture, and achievement.
ISB’s community is defined by its “Dragon Spirit” – a togetherness and eagerness to support each other, a commitment to high standards and inclusivity. Whether it’s sports, performing arts, or academic showcases, ISB community events always draw a strong crowd – because Dragons show up to celebrate student growth, passion, and talent.
“This is the first major sporting weekend of the year at ISB,” noted Simon Parker, the school’s Director of Student Activities. “Let’s kick things off with a bang! The players are ready. Campus will be buzzing. We can’t wait.”
ISB knows the value of serving up a festival of sport like this. Because in the end, China Cup won’t just be about the players who step onto the court. It will be about the memories, the connections, and the Dragon Pride that echo long after the final point is played.