The Nagaland U-23 basketball team with Punjab players.
- DIMAPUR — The
Nagaland U-23 basketball team scripted history by making it to the
pre-quarterfinals of the 1st U-23 National Championship, the first time the
state has advanced this far in a national-level basketball competition.
- In a hard-fought pre-quarterfinal match against a formidable
Punjab side, the Naga ballers went neck to neck in the first quarter with
Punjab leading 21-18. They displayed remarkable determination and spirit but
ultimately fell short, with the final score standing at 51-92. Despite the
loss, the team’s performance throughout the tournament has been commendable,
showcasing significant growth and potential, the Nagaland Basketball
Association (NBA) stated in a press release.
- Team captain Neisezo Theunuo led the charge with an
impressive performance, scoring 22 points and inspiring his teammates with his
leadership on and off the court.
- “The journey to the pre-quarterfinals has been an enriching
experience for the team. Competing at the national level exposed the players to
higher standards of the game, sharpening their skills and boosting their
confidence. The team gained valuable insights from playing against some of the
best teams in the country, and this experience is expected to play a vital role
in their future development,” it stated.
- The NBA expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment and
acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff.
- “This journey has not only showcased the potential of our
players but also highlighted the progress of basketball in Nagaland. Reaching
the pre-quarterfinals is a huge step forward,” the release added.
Also read: Nagaland men’s team reach pre-quarterfinals in National Basketball Championship
