Itanagar, 13 August 2023: The Don Bosco School, Jollang, demonstrated their supremacy in basketball by securing the championship titles in both the senior boys’ and girls’ categories at the 3rd Inter-School Basketball Tournament held on 13 August 2023. The event took place at the Royal International School in Papu Nallah, organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Basketball Association.
In an impressive display of skill and determination, the senior boys’ team of DBS Jollang secured their third consecutive championship win in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Similarly, the senior girls’ team triumphed for the second year in a row, adding to their 2022 victory. The senior category included students from Classes X and above, while the junior category comprised students from Class IX and below.
Notably, the junior boys’ team from Don Bosco School, Doimukh, claimed victory in their category, showcasing the promising talent and potential within the school’s ranks. However, the junior boys’ team of DBS Jollang reached the semi-finals but fell short in the battle for third place against KV NERIST. This was attributed to the limited availability of basketball courts, as the sole court was predominantly occupied by senior teams. Furthermore, no girls’ players were identified from the junior category, prompting suggestions for additional court facilities for junior players.
The tournament’s junior boys’ runners-up title went to HIM International School, Jollang, while the junior boys’ team from Government Secondary School, RGU Campus, earned the third-place position. In the junior girls’ category, the victors were GSS RGU Campus, who emerged triumphant over Alphabet Public School, Doimukh.
The event brought together 33 teams from 17 schools in Papum Pare District, highlighting the growing interest and participation in basketball among young athletes. The tournament’s primary goal, as highlighted by the Arunachal Pradesh Basketball Association, is to foster a passion for basketball among youth, which is clearly reflected in the consistently improving quality of the games and the increasingly challenging nature of the competition.
During the closing ceremony, local MLA Techi Kaso delivered an inspiring address to the students. He encouraged them to work diligently in their chosen pursuits, emphasizing the importance of discipline and heeding the guidance of their teachers and parents. MLA Kaso also voiced concerns about the prevalence of youth involvement in substance abuse and advised the students to stay engaged in sports and recreational activities to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
Principal AK Palit of the host school expressed a desire for the state government to allocate funds for inter-school sports championships, nurturing the growth of sports and allowing students to excel in their chosen athletic endeavours. The successful conclusion of the tournament marked another significant step towards promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle among the youth of Arunachal Pradesh.
(IND Webmaster and Fr Joshua Gangmei SDB)
