At ISB, we love to celebrate the diverse talents and hard work of our students. Today, we are taking a moment to spotlight Grade 12 student Ash Narayan. While his competitive playing days have recently come
to a close, the legacy of his dedication to the sport remains an inspiring story for the entire community.
Having played for both the Thai National Under 16 and Under 19 sides, Ash spent his high school years mastering the art of the student athlete. We caught up with him to reflect on his journey and the lessons he learned along the way.
Where the Journey Began
For Ash, cricket was always about more than just a scoreboard. It started as a simple way to connect with those closest to him.
"I initially started playing cricket with my family and friends," Ash reflects. "The interest grew over time naturally through watching the game on TV and just talking about it with friends." What began as backyard matches eventually led him to competing at the highest youth levels in the country.
The Discipline of a Student Athlete
Throughout his time on the team, Ash’s schedule was a testament to his grit. Balancing the academic rigors of Grade 12 with a heavy training schedule required immense discipline.
"I played cricket four to five times a week, balancing school and other sports such as baseball," Ash says. "Usually, I played later in the day after school, from 6:00 to 8:30 at night. It takes real grit to work through and work hard for what you want to achieve."
A Final Season to Remember
One of the highlights of Ash’s journey was the U19 CAT Tournament, hosted by the Cricket Association of Thailand. It was a perfect bookend to his competitive career, as he was named Player of the Tournament.
For Ash, however, the individual award was second to the connections he made. "I really enjoyed meeting with old friends from the Under 16 and Under 19 sides. It was really enjoyable for me to talk to them and rekindle those friendships. Being named Player of the Tournament meant a great deal because I worked very hard to achieve that."
Support Along the Way
Ash is quick to credit the ISB community for helping him manage his dual roles over the years. The flexibility of his teachers allowed him to pursue his passion without falling behind in his studies.
"The school has been really great," Ash notes. "They were flexible with allowing me to take tests at different times and being supportive with homework assignments and catching up with work. It allowed me to go play the tournaments while keeping up with my academics."
A Lasting Message for ISB
As Ash prepares for life after Grade 12, he leaves his fellow Panthers with a powerful reminder about the value of hard work.
"The message I want to send is to really work hard for what you want to achieve, as it’s not going to be given to you. Especially balancing such an academically rigorous school, if you really want to do something, you’re going to have to work hard for it. I think that is an important lesson for everyone."
We congratulate Ash on all his athletic achievements and thank him for being such a fantastic representative of the ISB spirit.