Academic Staff
Biswajeet Rout (India)
Founder, International Sports Leadership Academy (ISLA)
Biswajeet Rout is the founder of the International Sports Leadership Academy (ISLA), an institution built on the powerful belief that academics and athletics are not competing paths—but complementary forces that shape a complete human being. He holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Computing from IIT Guwahati, where his academic foundation was rooted in analytical thinking and problem-solving. Early in his career, Biswajeet worked at the Supercomputer Education and Research Center (SERC), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, under an ISRO Fellowship. He went on to contribute to advanced research and innovation through his work with Bentley Systems, Computational Research Laboratory (CRL), and the R&D Center at NTT Data in Tokyo, where he was involved in Generative AI research projects. Beyond his professional journey in science and technology, Biswajeet is a passionate badminton enthusiast. Starting the sport later in life as a hobby, he embraced the learning process, drawing inspiration from the people around him and developing a deep appreciation for the discipline, resilience, and joy the sport brings. He strongly believes: “Those two worlds—academics and athletics—didn’t compete with each other. They completed each other.” This realization became the seed of ISLA and continues to define its philosophy—that a scholar’s precision and an athlete’s spirit together create a balanced, capable, and fulfilled individual. Today, Biswajeet reflects on his journey with a simple but profound understanding: every breakthrough—whether in science, sport, or self-discovery—begins with balance. To think deeply. To move purposefully. To learn endlessly. Through ISLA, his vision is to inspire young minds to discover their own perfect balance between intellect and action—and to live as true Scholar-Athletes.
Mr.Atsumi Shigematsu (Shige),(Japan).
Head of School, (Japan), 2025 ~ Present
While in a Japanese university (Business Management – BA), Mr. Shige attended Baylor University, Texas, U.S.A, for 1 year as an exchange student. After successfully completing university, he worked for 2 Japanese companies, then joined Intel Corporation in Japan and worked in both Japan / U.S.A for 30 years. 2012 ~ present, in academic partnership at University of Tsukuba (UT), he has been teaching “Academic Communication” (2017 ~ 2020 for Junior/Senior year Japanese students), “How to teach English at Japanese elementary schools” (2018 ~ 2022 for Japanese elementary school teachers), “Global Communication Skills Training” (2012 ~ present) and “Cross-Cultural Communication” (2012 ~ present) as the Graduate General Education Courses (GGEC) which is the program at the English-based Master’s program in Sport and Olympic Studies). 2023 ~ 2024, Mr. Shige attended as a research student at the Institute of Health and Sport Sciences (UT) for the research on “Cross-Cultural Learnings and Communications in English of Japanese University Students”. Volunteer and local activities: 2021 ~ present: volunteer to teach Japanese to foreign residents in Tsukuba City. 2023 ~ present: supporting and coordinating the “English Classes through Sport” program for 8 local Japanese elementary schools, Inashiki-City.
Mr. Shailesh S. Pillai (India) http://www.linkedin.com/in/shaileshpillai
Head of Secondary Teacher of : IGCSE Mathematics (0607) , IGCSE Physics (0625) & Primary Mathematics
Mr. Pillai is a Keralite who grew up in Mumbai, India, and holds a Master of Science in Mathematics (First Class) from Shobhit University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (First Class, 1999), for which he was honoured with a special selection and training programme at IIT Bombay — one of India's most prestigious institutions of technology. During his undergraduate studies, he ranked first in his college in his opening year and participated in inter-collegiate mathematics seminars on several occasions. Mr. Pillai brings over two decades of rich and varied experience in international education to ISLA. He has the distinction of having coached a student to a World Rank 1 in IGCSE Mathematics in November 2015. In Madurai, he was engaged on a targeted project to complete the Grade 10 Mathematics syllabus, achieving a perfect centum score and — most notably — coaching a student to a World Rank 1 in IGCSE Mathematics (November 2015). In his prior assignments in Mumbai, he was twice awarded the "Most Creative Teacher" award. In Tokyo, where he has served as a senior Mathematics Teacher for 8 years, he has taught IGCSE International Mathematics (0607) and AS & A Level Mathematics & Statistics (9709) since 2017. He is certified by Cambridge International Examinations for both IGCSE Mathematics (0580) and AS & A Level Mathematics (9709), and holds additional certification from the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) in Assessment in the Early Years. In his broader professional life, Mr. Pillai is a certified Emotions Mastery and Relationship Mastery Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and has extensive experience in soft skills training, student wellbeing, and educational management. As Head of Secondary at ISLA, Mr. Pillai leads the secondary academic programme while teaching IGCSE International Mathematics (0607) and IGCSE Physics (0625). True to ISLA's philosophy that strong foundations underpin every level of achievement, he also teaches Primary Mathematics — ensuring that younger students develop the rigour and confidence in numeracy that will serve them well throughout their academic journey. He is a strong believer in making mathematics tangible and engaging, drawing on tools such as GeoGebra, Vedic Mathematics, and the abacus to bring the subject to life for learners at every stage. He personally passionate about table tennis — a discipline that aligns closely with ISLA's own commitment to sport and holistic development. He also enjoys yoga, meditation, and drawing.
Dr. Kappam Veettil Sajna (INDIA):
Head of Primary & Teacher of Science and Chemistry
Dr. Kappam Veettil Sajna completed her PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Hyderabad, India. To further expand her research skills and international experience, she moved to Japan as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba. During this period, her research work was carried out in collaboration with Nobel Laureate Omar M. Yaghi. She was later selected as an INSPIRE Faculty Award recipient. Following this, she worked at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), where her research focused on silicon polymer chemistry. Alongside her research career, Dr. Sajna is deeply passionate about teaching and mentoring students. She has taught CBSE Chemistry to Grade 10 and Grade 11 students and guided learners preparing for competitive medical entrance examinations. She also served as a lecturer at a college affiliated with the University of Calicut, where she supported undergraduate and postgraduate students in developing strong theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills. Dr. Sajna believes that learning science should be engaging, meaningful, and accessible to all students. She focuses on simplifying complex concepts and encouraging curiosity, helping students build confidence and develop critical thinking skills. Her teaching approach fosters a strong foundation while inspiring students to explore science beyond textbooks. Outside the classroom, she enjoys playing badminton and cooking, maintaining a balanced and energetic lifestyle.
Puja Nehru (India)
Head of Science Department, Science & Biology Educator
Inspiring curiosity, nurturing young minds, and transforming the way students experience Science—this lies at the heart of Ms. Puja’s teaching philosophy. Ms. Puja is a highly dedicated and passionate Science educator with over a decade of rich teaching experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the School of Biotechnology, India, along with a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Biotechnology and a professional qualification in Education. With a strong academic foundation and diverse classroom experience, she has taught across multiple curricula, including CBSE, Japanese, and IGCSE, which allows her to adapt her teaching to varied learning styles and international standards. She has also served as an SOF Olympiad Coordinator in both her previous roles and at ISLA, guiding students to participate in national and international competitions and fostering a spirit of academic excellence. Her approach to teaching centers on making Science meaningful, engaging, and enjoyable. She takes a keen interest in guiding students through hands-on scientific exploration, conducting regular experiments across all grade levels to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. She strives to transform the classroom into an interactive learning space where students not only learn concepts but truly experience Science in action. At ISLA, Ms. Puja is committed to nurturing young learners in the foundational years while inspiring senior students to develop a strong, lasting interest in Biology. She encourages inquiry, critical thinking, and confidence, helping students grow into independent and enthusiastic learners. Ms. Puja believes that every child has the potential to think like a scientist—her goal is to ignite that spark and help it grow into a lifelong love of learning.
Ms. Delia Francisco (Philippines)
Head of Lower Primary
Ms. Francisco obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Great Plebeian College in the Philippines. She started teaching English (Grammar and Literature), an integrated curriculum in the high school department at La Immaculada Concepcion School in Pasig City. After a decade of teaching at a co-ed school, she moved to an all-boys private Catholic school, Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, where she taught English in the junior high. She was assigned as an English Coordinator in the High School Department, working alongside the Elementary Department for PAASCU Accreditation, which certifies academic programs that meet high standards of quality education in the Philippines. When a teaching opportunity opened to her in 2009, she came to Japan, where she taught kindergarten for four years at a small international school in Setagaya. During those years, she attended several seminars on English teaching for Filipino teachers. She also completed her 120-hour TESOL Certificate. She applied as an Assistant Language Teacher for Junior High School in Saitama in 2013 and published the school’s The English Bulletin twice a year. After a year, she went back to teaching kindergarten in Chiba. In 2019, she was assigned as both a principal and a teacher at Laule’a International School. As of 2026, she’s been accepted to head the lower primary at ISLA (International Sports Leadership Academy) under the PYP Cambridge Curriculum."While thought exists, words are alive and literature becomes an escape, not from, but into living." (Cyril Connolly)
Sean Kane (Ireland)
Head of English
As ISLA’s Head of English, Sean Kane has a decade of combined teaching experience in both EFL/ESL and First-Language English education. Mr. Kane comes to us from Ireland, where he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Philosophy from the National University of Ireland, Galway. On top of that, he has also completed Critical and Postcolonial Theory courses at the Master’s level. Through the development of his own critical thinking skills, it is his firm conviction that it is likewise vital to help nurture those skills in students. With a Cambridge CELTA (Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) in tow, Mr. Kane began his career working as an ESL teacher in Ireland, later moving to Japan and continuing to hone his skills in the same field for a number of years. In 2022, he began working as an English Literature teacher at a top-level private middle and high-school school in Tokyo. Here, he was given the opportunity to bring his love of reading and writing to students, teaching them the components of literature analysis, how to write essays of high-quality, and also the importance of thinking critically, applying as he did various pedagogical methods to a wide variety of classes. Mr. Kane also taught media communications at the same school, the purpose of which was to develop media literacy in students, both as a general junior-high introductory class and again as a more specialised senior-year program, where he supported and guided students as they worked on independent projects. Beyond this, he was also an essay checker for students, one of whom was later accepted into Minerva University, an institution which has an admissions rate of just one percent . At ISLA, Mr. Kane teaches children at both primary and secondary level. He believes the Cambridge English Curriculum fits perfectly with his ethos as an educator, which is to create independent-minded, empathetic, and nuanced thinkers. Seeing children dive excitedly and confidently into stories and create their own independent works with passion is what makes this job a vocation for him. His aim as an educator is to guide, bring out, and nurture what is latent in each child. For Mr. Kane, there is no greater reward than to see each student step into and fully realise their potential.
EMOINU PUKHRAMBAM CHANU (India)
Environmental Management & Global Perspectives teacher
A doctoral candidate pursuing a PhD in International Public Policy at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. She is currently researching the role of traditional knowledge and governance in promoting forest sustainability, strengthening her connection with nature and indigenous communities. She has an undergraduate degree in Zoology and a Master’s in Ecology and Environmental Science. She deeply cares about protecting nature and ensuring local people can help care for the land around them. She has studied how people and the environment interact, especially regarding the use of natural resources such as forests. At ISLA, she is a passionate and engaging teacher who makes learning about nature both fun and meaningful. She has a skill for breaking down complex environmental topics into simple ideas that students can easily understand and enjoy. Through stories, activities, and real-life examples, she helps students see why protecting the environment is important. She encourages her students to be curious, ask questions, and take small but meaningful actions to care for the world around them. She connects classroom learning with real-life environmental challenges, inspiring young learners to become responsible and thoughtful stewards of nature.
Subhashree Rout (India)
Art Educator, International Sports Leadership Academy (ISLA)
Subhashree Rout is a passionate art educator at the International Sports Leadership Academy (ISLA), dedicated to nurturing creativity, self-expression, and visual storytelling in young learners. With a deep love for art and design, Subhashree believes that creativity is not just a skill, but a way of thinking and experiencing the world. She encourages students to explore their imagination freely while developing strong foundational techniques across various art forms—from sketching and painting to crafts and mixed media. Her teaching approach blends structure with freedom, helping children gain confidence in their abilities while discovering their unique artistic voice. In her classroom, art becomes a space where curiosity thrives, mistakes are celebrated as learning, and every child feels inspired to create without fear. Through her guidance, students learn to appreciate beauty, develop patience, and build a lifelong connection with creativity—an essential part of becoming a well-rounded individual.
中西洋介 Yosuke Nakanishi (Japan)
元日本代表選手
日本ユニシス（株）Nihon UNISYSに入社後、長きに渡り日本代表選手として活躍（USオープン優勝など）
引退後は同社（現在はBIPROGY）のコーチ、また監督を歴任後、日本代表男子シングルスコーチとして、桃田賢斗KENTO MOMOTAと共に世界選手権連覇、またジャパンオープン連覇の実績を持つ。
東京五輪、パリ五輪と帯同し数多くの選手の海外オープン大会での優勝に立ち会った。
指導者 ご紹介 Naomi Ogata (Japan)
●氏名 小形 直美 オガタ ナオミ （女性） 62 才
●指導歴程 2010 年から指導者としスイミング施設で子供水泳教室・成人水泳教室・水中運動などの指導を始める
●指導歴程 2013 年４月～ 守谷インターナショナルスイミングスクールで勤務開始
ベビースイミング・幼児スイミング・学童スイミング・成人スイミング を指導中
●資格 2012 年 公益財団法人 日本水泳連盟 『 基礎水泳指導員資格 』 取得
Mr. Nalin Priyadarshana (Sri Lanka)
Cricket Coach & Sports Development Mentor
Mr. Nalin Priyadarshana serves as a Full-Time Cricket Coach and Sports Development Mentor at ISLA. An accomplished international athlete, his sporting journey has been defined by dedication, resilience, and excellence. Originally from Sri Lanka, his athletics career was initiated at a young age and progressed through national and international competitions. Notably, multiple gold medals in High Jump and Triple Jump were secured at the World Cultural Games in South Korea, where he was also honored with the Best Athlete Award in 2007. His athletic career was further developed in the United States at East Los Angeles College, where he achieved recognition as the California State Champion in High Jump. During this period, elite-level sports training was balanced with academic studies in business, reflecting strong discipline and commitment. Mr. Nalin is an ICC Level 2 Certified Cricket Coach, bringing structured coaching expertise alongside his international athletic experience. At ISLA, the Cricket and Athletics Program is developed under his guidance, with a strong emphasis on building fundamental athletic skills from an early age. Training focuses on enhancing coordination, agility, strength, confidence, and teamwork. A strong commitment is placed on identifying and nurturing young talent, with students guided through structured training, positive mentorship, and a deep passion for sports. Through this approach, not only skilled athletes but also resilient and confident individuals are developed. His journey—from a village athlete to an international champion—reflects the belief that with the right guidance, discipline, and opportunities, extraordinary achievements can be realized.
弦巻貴之 Takayuki Tsurumaki (Japan)
1994.3.28 32歳 埼玉県越谷市出身 小学2年生からバドミントンを始める 全小、インハイ、インカレに出場 社会人としては、全日本シニア大会で3位 大学在学時にで、ジュニアスポーツ指導員資格を取得 卒業後、ジュニアチームの立ち上げ、複数の契約中学、高校での指導を経験後、現在ISLA所属コーチに至る
