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Players from the Stallions and Ephraim along with special guest Keviletuo Yiese and organisers at the Kohima local ground on Monday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 7 (EMN): The 10th Open Basketball Tournament (OBT) 2017 organised by the Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) and Suncity Club of Kohima began on Monday here at Khuociezie local ground with eleven teams from the state vying for the championship title. The tournament will go till Saturday.
Playing league, defending champion Taurus trounced Mission Giants 74-26 during the inaugural match. The Mystic Ballers (TMB) team beat Last Kings 67-30 in the second match.
While Orca routed Akelos 77-43 in the third match, the Stallions narrowly defeated Ephraim 76-62. In the last match of the day, Ophidian overpowered S Naga Trouncers 35-18.
Earlier Keviletuo Yiese, addl. chief engineer for Power, attended the inauguration as its special guest. He expressed happiness and congratulated the organisers for successfully organising the event during the past years too. He said that it takes lots of resources and strength to organise such an event. He said that Suncity was formed by a group of young people in 1998.
Yiese said that although he was not a sportsperson, it does not stop him from being an enthusiast.
Reminiscing about the introduction of basketball in Kohima in the late '70s, he said to be amazed at seeing the standard, talent, skill and techniques having improved over the years.
However, the officer expressed regret at the absence of breakthrough in the game in the state even after its existence here for over five decades.
Nonetheless, Yiese was hopeful about a time when Naga players would participate at the national level. He called upon the sportsperson to engage sports as a profession.
Likewise, the officer challenged the players to take platforms such as the tournament to build their sports profession.
He appealed to the gathering not to 'try to give excuses such as the lack of sports facilities and sports infrastructure' as the reason to not pursue their aspirations. Instead, he asked them to think high and pursue them.
On the second day of the event, organisers have informed, the first match will begin at 1:00 pm. Players are informed to report by 12:30 pm.
Tuesday’s Fixture
1st match - Cretan Bulls Vs Mission Giants
2nd match - TMB Vs Ephriam
3rd match - Taurus Vs S. Naga Trouncers
4th match - Last Kings Vs Orca
5th match - Stallions Vs Akelos
6th match - S.Naga Trouncers Vs Cretan Bulls
7th match - Ephriam Vs Orca
