Kohima, May 23 (EMN): The 9th edition of Open Basketball Tournament is all set to begin today at Kohima local ground from 3 p.m. onwards. The four-day tournament is organised by the Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) and Suncity Club Kohima.
It is one of a kind tournament in Nagaland which will have the digital scoreboard, hydraulic rings, fluorescent indoor lighting, LED board display, and live coverage.
Werewolves, Kohima will be defending the title and nineteen teams are vying for the Open Basketball Tournament title this year where the champions will walk away with a cash award of Rs. 50,000/- and runners-up of Rs 30,000/- along with trophies and citations. Both the losing semi-finalists will receive Rs 5,000 each, besides individual awards.
16 teams will play the 1st round on a knock-out basis, with the eight winning team joining the four pool leaders in the 2nd round that will be played on a league basis with the top four team entering the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the organisers informed that the spectators who are under the influence of alcohol/drugs will not be entertained inside the court and the entries of the vehicle will be from south gate only/with car pass. It may be also mentioned that due to the current weather situation, the organisers regret to inform that timing of the matches may change anytime without further notice.
The inaugural match will be played between St. Joseph College, Jakhama and S. Naga Trouncers.
The opening ceremony of the tournament will be held on May 24 at 6:00 pm with Khekaho Assumi, Parliamentary Secretary, Youth Resources and Sports as the chief guest.
