Sikkim senior men’s and women’s basketball teams to participate in national championship

SUJATA LUCKSOM & HEMIKA NAG

GANGTOK,: Sikkim senior men’s and women’s basketball teams will compete in the 75th Senior National Basketball Championship in Chennai from 4 to 11 January. This is for the first time that both men’s and women’s team from the State are participating.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Basketball Association of Sikkim (BAS), which recently secured affiliation with the Basketball Federation of India, a requirement for participation in national championships. The affiliation is currently under probation.  

BAS president Vishu Lama said the purpose of the participation is not only to compete but also to gain valuable experience at the national level. He added that both teams have been training in a systematic manner, with special focus on physical fitness and discipline, while also being guided in mental and tactical aspects.

The teams will be guided by two coaches, Siddharth Yonzon and Sonam T. Barfungpa. Each team will consist of 12 players, coaches, support staff and managers, bringing the total contingent of 28 members. The teams will depart for Chennai on January 1. 

Speaking on expectations, Lama said that the association is not expecting medals as both the teams and the association are still gaining experience. He said the association was formed last year and is steadily progressing, with support and guidance from other State associations.

Lama said the women’s team includes several players who have previously represented other States at senior national tournaments, giving the side added experience. The men’s team, by contrast, is largely made up of younger players, for whom the championship will serve as valuable exposure.

“While the women's team carries experience, the men's team carry youth, promise and potential. Together, they represent the future of basketball in Sikkim. The Basketball Association of Sikkim stands firmly behind the team. We request the people of the state to support and encourage the players, so that when they step out of the state to represent us, they can do so with confidence. We wish both the women's and men's teams all the best. Play hard, play fair, learn, grow and make Sikkim proud”, Lama said.

The president appreciated the role of BAS vice president Nima Choden Lhasungpa for her active support in organising training sessions, arranging physiotherapy support, and managing transport for the players. He also extended special thanks to BAS general secretary Jigmela Wazilingpa, treasurer Tsultrim Khampa, and their chief patron Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia for their constant support.

Along with Vishu Lama, the press conference was addressed by men's team head coach Sonam T. Barfungpa, men's team captain Tenzing Tsephel Bhutia, men’s team vice-captain Tenzing Gyatso Bhutia and women's team player Thinley Choekyi Bhutia, who expressed anticipation and enthusiasm for the championship