Khelo India basketball championship gets underway

Hyderabad: The Basketball Federation of India has selected 21 states and Union Territories across the country to conduct the Khelo India Women's Under 17 League Championship.

Telangana is one among the 21 states selected.

The League Championship will feature 16 teams to play on a round robin basis, with each team playing 15 games and in all 120 games to be conducted over a period of three to four months.

The new vertical initiated aims at providing more opportunities to women players to play more games without making them miss their educational requirements and providing them to play over extended periods.

The following are the teams participating in this edition of the Championship. 1. YMCA Secunderabad; 2. St. Patrick's Academy; 3. Hoopster Club; 4. St. Francis; 5. St. Ann's Junior College; 6. Delhi Public School; 7. Srila; 8. Future Kids; 9. FIBA; 10. KVBR Indoor Stadium; 11. Josephians; 12. All Saints; 13. Silver Oaks; 14. Jagitial; 15. Mahbubnagar; 16. Don Bosco.

The Championship was formally inaugurated by Norman S Isaac, Chairman, Technical Commission, Basketball Federation of India and General Secretary, Telangana Basketball Association with the inaugural match between YMCA Secunderabad and St. Patrick's Academy.

RESULTS:

YMCA Secunderabad brushed aside the challenge of St. Patrick's 48 - 23 after being comfortably placed 23 - 9 at half time.

Ruchi and Joshika of YMCA combined well to play a fast paced game to thwart the slow defence of St. Patrick's taking a quick 9 - 0 lead and thereafter consolidating the lead.

With Ojaswini and Ria chipping in with regular baskets YMCA dominated the 2nd half too and prevailed comfortably 48 - 23.