9th Open Basketball Tourney gets underway today

Kohima, May 23 (MExN): The much anticipated 9th Open Basketball Tournament (OBT) will commence of Wednesday, May 24 at Khouchiezie, Kohima Local Ground.   20 teams are taking part in the four-day tournament organized by the Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) and Suncity Club Kohima, with 16 teams playing in the 1st round. The eight winning teams will join the other four in the 2nd round which will be play in league format with top four team (Group leaders) entering into semi-finals.   The tournament opening ceremony will take place at 3:00 pm on May 24 and the organizers have requested all teams to report to the venue by 2:30 pm. Khekaho Assumi, Parliamentary Secretary, Youth Resources and Sports will be the chief guest.   MLA & President, NBA, Zhaleo Rio will deliver the presidential address at 6:00 pm. On Tuesday, the NBA President also inspected the ongoing preparations at the Local Ground, Kohima.   Official report states that the organizers renovated the basketball court at an estimated cost of Rs. 3 lakhs to hold the tournament.   With a view to improve the standard of the game in the State, the tournament would also witness launching of the Nagaland basketball Referee's Association on the inaugural day.   OBT theme song will be performed live by Table Three and Dexterains, while a special number will be presented by Rugks Ngouri.   In order to create a platform for the youths, there would be street performance in the form of streets performance.   Pointing to the current weather situation, the organizers have informed that they reserve the right to change the match timings anytime without further any notice.   Meanwhile, the organizers have cautioned that spectators under the influence of Alcohol /drugs will be evicted from the arena. It also informed that entry of vehicles will be from South Gate only with Car pass.   On Friday there will be an exhibition match between the All Stars, while veteran exhibition and a sub-junior exhibition match will be played before the grand final match on Saturday.     May 24 matches St. Joseph College, Jakhama vs S. Naga Trouncers @ 3:00 pm Team Orca vs Team Waxbill @ 4:00 pm Team Titans vs Team Highland Dazzlers @ 6:00 pm Team Buzzards vs team Skylark @ 7:30 pm Team Doberman vs Tiyi Hoopers @ 8:30 pm