Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 27
Taurus from Kohima claimed a sweeping victory over Amplified coming back from behind at the final of the 9th Open Basketball Tournament organised by the Suncity Kohima and the Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) on May 27. Vikuo Israel from Taurus was declared the Most Valuable Player (MVP). The Winning team won a cash prize of Rs. 50, 000 while the MVP was awarded a Scooty along with a cash of Rs.10,000.
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Eight year old Rüdeilhoulie (in green) was the youngest player during the sub juniors match.[/caption]
Amplified looked solid in the first and second quarters, dominating with a 16-point lead in the first and 33 points in the second. The match witnessed an inspiring turnaround with Tauras emerging from the blocks and finishing the third quarter with 41 points. 20 more points were added in the fourth and final quarter to take the score to 61 against Taurus’ 52 points.
Semi-finals
Taurus moved into the final with a 46-39 win over Dorians. Amplified also entered the final on a high defeating Werewolves by a 72-60 margin.
A special feature of the closing day was an exhilirating sub-junior exhibition match that had below-15 boys from Kohima village participating. The star attractions were 8 year-old Rüdeilhoutuo and 11 year-old Keneingutuo.
During the closing ceremony, Teisozhavi Theünuo, Convenor, Organising committee in his welcome address noted that growth of basketball in Nagaland over the years. To the players, Theünuo said, “You’ve set the bar higher in the standard of basketball in Nagaland.”
“Some people want it to happen, some wish to make it happen and some make it happen,” said guest of honour, Mhonlumo Kikon at the closing ceremony quoting basketball great Michael Jordan.
Stating that Nagaland is in dire need of young people, who have new and better ideas to participate “in the politics for change,” Kikon said that the youth should seriously think about how they can contribute and act towards political and social change.
