A new fillip to basketball in the state

Mumbai-Thane Basketball League is latest addition to the sport

VASHI: After India’s international success in cricket, hockey and football, efforts are on to make basketball a mainstream event. To popularise the sport, the Maharashtra State Basketball Association (MSBA) and Basketball Federation of India (BFI) have initiated various steps.

Amongst the various moves is the state association’s introduction of the Mumbai-Thane Basketball League that commenced last week at the Fr Agnel’s Basketball Court in Vashi on Wednesday.

The fortnight-long tournament is being played in both league and knock-out basis and the matches are being held in different venues across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

“The tournament is an annual feature since it is organised to promote the game in the city. The matches are being spread across various venues to cater to the spectators,” said MSBA associate secretary Ravi Nair.

“The idea to organise the event on a league basis is mainly to spot fresh talent and give the players a pedestal to showcase their skills,” Nair added. Moreover, the sport is flourishing throughout the state, courtesy the various other tournaments held across the city.