Dimapur, May 20 (EMN): 20 teams will take part in the 9th Open Basketball Tournament (OBT) organised by the Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) and Suncity Club Kohima.
The tournament will be played from May 24 to 27 at Khouchiezie, Kohima Local Ground.
The teams are Amplified , Kohima; Taurus, Kohima; Team Mystic Ballers (A), Kohima; Werewolves, Kohima; Dorians,DImapur; Highland Dazzlers, Mokokchung; Tiyi Hoppers, Wokha; Buzzards, S.Naga Trouncers, Skyhooks, Kohima; Team Oroa, Kohima; Stingrays, Kohima; Waxbill, Kohima; St. Joseph College, Jakhama; Kohima Chiefs, Team Titans, Doberman, Team Mystic Ballers(B) and Team Airhogs Kohima.
Four teams- Amplified , Kohima; Taurus, Kohima; Team Mystic Ballers (A), Kohima and Werewolves, Kohima are given bye in 1st round and are Pool leaders.
16 teams will play 1st round know and eight winning team will join the rest four in 2nd round which will be play in league round with top four team (Group leaders) entering into semi-finals.New additional features of the tournament will be Indoors roofing, Food court set up for the players and spectators, digital score board, hydraulic rings, LED board display , Live coevarge, Live DJ on final day.
On Saturday, the theme song (Video) of the 9th OBT was officially release on YouTube.
Basketball fans are expected to turn out in huge number to witness the matches which will be played in day and night matches, with gallery ticket fixed at Rs.50 per head.
On May 24 at 3.00 pm, the tournament opening ceremony will take place , with Khekaho Assumi, parliamentary secretary, Youth Resources and Sports as the chief guest, while the welcome address will be delivered by Zhaleo Rio, Rtd IAS and MLA and President of Nagaland Basketball Association(NBA).
The opening match will be played between St. Joseph College, Jakhama and S.Naga Trouncers.
On May 27, a sub-junior exhibition match will be played before the grand final match.
