The second State-Level Basketball Tournament in Arunachal Pradesh began today at Naharlagun, attracting over 200 players, coaches, and team managers from 12 districts. The five-day event, organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Basketball Association (APBA), showcases the state’s growing enthusiasm for basketball despite limited sports infrastructure. John Neelam, Chairman of the Sports Authority of Arunachal, inaugurated the tournament as the chief guest. In his address, Neelam highlighted the urgent need for a permanent indoor basketball stadium in the state and assured that he would present the proposal to the government.
“Everything can be achieved with hard work, sincerity, devotion, and dedication,” Neelam said, urging young players to aim high and strive to become both “good sportspersons and good human beings.” He also praised the APBA for its efforts in promoting basketball across Arunachal Pradesh. Over 20 teams, including both boys and girls from 10 districts, are competing in the tournament, said Organising Chairman Dikto Kare. Kare noted that despite the lack of dedicated courts, coaches, and facilities, local athletes remain passionate about basketball, a sport that is still less popular in the state.
He also acknowledged the guidance and support of Chief Patron Pema Norbu Thongchi in making the event possible. The tournament has drawn a large crowd of enthusiastic youths from the capital complex, reflecting the rising interest in basketball in Arunachal Pradesh. Over the next five days, participants will compete not only for victory but also to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and the love of the game.
