Kohima, May 20 (MExN): 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, a press release informed. The participating 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 viz., Amplified, Kohima; Taurus, Kohima; Team Mystic Ballers (A), Kohima and Werewolves, Kohima received byes in the 1st round and are Pool leaders. 16 teams will play the 1st round on a knock-out basis with the eight winning team joining the four pool leaders in 2nd round which will be played on a league basis with the top four team (Group leaders) entering the semi-finals. New additional features of the tournament will be indoor roofing, food courts set up for the players and spectators, digital score board, hydraulic rings, LED board display , Live coverage, and Live DJ on the final day. Basketball fans are expected to turn out in huge numbers to witness the tournament which will have both day and night matches, with gallery tickets fixed at Rs.50 per head. The opening ceremony of the tournament will be held on May 24 at 3:00 pm with Khekaho Assumi, Parliamentary Secretary, Youth Resources and Sports as the chief guest, while the welcome address will be delivered by Zhaleo Rio, Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) and President of Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA). The inaugural 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. A video of the theme song of the 9th OBT was officially release on YouTube on Saturday.
