Sikkim Basketball makes historic debut at Indian Youth National Championships
The basketball courts of Sikkim are abuzz with excitement as both the boys and girls teams from the state prepare to make their historic debut at the Indian Youth National Championships. The tournament will be held at the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Puducherry from April 9th to 15th, 2024.
After almost ten years of striving, the Basketball Association of Sikkim (BAS) has finally secured provisional membership with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI). This marks a significant breakthrough for Sikkim basketball. The state’s participation in the national championship signifies the culmination of efforts to develop and promote the sport at the grassroots level.
The teams will be competing against some of the best young basketball talent in the country, and the experience will undoubtedly be a valuable one. Regardless of the outcome, this debut appearance is in itself a progress Sikkim basketball has made in recent times.
Jigdrel Dorjee Lepcha captains the boys’ team, leading a group of talented players including Rinzing Ongchuk and Phuntsok Zangpo Bhutia. Coached by Mr. Jigdrel Dorjee Lepcha, these young athletes are to compete on the national stage.
Captained by Prava Tamang, Sikkim’s girls’ team has a strong lineup featuring talented players like Aahana Sachi Gurung and Pema Lhamu Lepcha among others.
Guiding the teams are State Coach Mr. Sonam T. Barfungpa, Asst. Coach Ms. Pem Choden Lepcha, and Manager Mr. Siddharth Yonzon. Their combined expertise and unwavering support serve as the backbone of the teams’ journey, instilling confidence and determination in every player as they strive for excellence on and off the court.
Expressing his excitement, BAS General Secretary Mr. Jigmela Wazilingpa emphasized that this achievement is just the beginning. Plans are underway to send junior and senior teams in the coming months, indicating a promising year ahead for basketball in Sikkim.
The upcoming National Championships will be a chance for the Sikkim teams to showcase their skills on a national stage and gain valuable experience competing against top competition.
