IBS sets stage for U-19 school cagers

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IBS sets stage for U-19 school cagers

The 34-team, 76-match seventh edition of the age-group Indian Basketball League Tournament (IBL) takes off on Friday, April 27 at the Salah Al Deen Indoor Sports Hall, near Century Mall, Dubai — jump-ball 5pm.

By Moni Mathews

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Published: Sun 22 Apr 2012, 8:56 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 1:47 PM

Like last year, the event will bear the name Admiral J. 7th Indian Basketball League Tournament 2012. The finals take place on Friday, June 8 at the same venue.

In addition to the regular men’s, women’s, under 13 boys and under 13 girls divisions, the under 19 boys event for schools this time will see the league hold centrestage for the Indian school scene in the UAE.

The under 13 boys and under 13 girls divisions are open to all nationalities who are playing under the banner of clubs or institutions.

The 7th IBS League is supported by M/S. GRP Industries, Gamma Bldg. Construction LLC; Reebok; Skyline University College, Sharjah; Eiffel Printing Press, Sharjah and Malabar Gold.

“Nearly 400 players will be representing the various clubs and institutions in the UAE and the players are current and former Indian National, State and University level players who are 
currently employed here,” said G. Vijaykumar at the Press conference and draw session in Dubai attended by the team representatives and the print and TV media.

“Some present Indian National and International players are expected to join some of the teams at later stage of the tournament,” Vijaykumar added.

“The media will see the growth of the tournament which has gone through some very tough phases especially in sponsorship backing. the great game sees youngsters invlove themselves in healthy activities,” said Dr Sunny Kurian.

“The media has been very supportive especially a couple of the publications here. The lack of glamour for basketball makes raising funds a mighty task but we have been able to sustain the interest levels for the past six years,” said Rajan Job.

The two-month long weekends only championships is organised by the Indian Basketball Society (IBS) and is managed by the pioneers of schools basketball here namely Job, Vijaykumar, T. Ali and Sanjay Benjamin with backup from patron Dr Kurian.

The popular tourney normally sees supporters numbering over 300-500 for the initial matches and the figures go up to a capacity crowd of over 1,000 during the title rounds at the small inddor venue.

The men’s division matches will be held on Thursday and Friday evenings; the women’s division on Friday evenings and the under 13 and under 19 categories on Saturdays.

In the women’s section current university and higher secondary students based here will be taking part.

The men’s division, under 13 boys and under 13 girls divisions will vie for the Admiral J. Trophy while the women’s champions will be presented with the KEF Holdings Trophy.

The new U-19 inter school boys division sides will vie for the Dr Sunny Health Care Group Trophy.

moni@khaleejtimes.com


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