Dubai: One of the most popular basketball leagues in the UAE with the aim of popularising the sport among school children will commence from April 23.
The fifth edition of the Berry Hills Indian Basketball League will be contested by 23 teams. "The league is expected to be keenly fought with six teams in Under-13 boys and four in Under-13 girls competing along with eight teams in men's division and five in the women's category," remarked G. Vijayakumar, secretary of the Indian Basketball Society, the organisers of the event.
After announcing the event at a press conference at the Ramee Royal Hotel, Vijayakumar told Gulf News: "We will be staging some of the matches in schools to attract crowds and generate interest for basketball among children. However, the main venue for the matches will be the indoor basketball court of Al Sha'ab Sports Club in Sharjah."
This league was initiated by Dr Sunny Kurien as Patron with few basketball coaches and physical education directors like Rajan Job, T. Ali, Sanjay Benjamin and Vijayakumar.
The main sponsor for the event is Berry Hills with Dr Sunny Health Care Group as co-sponsors. Blade Watches are supporting the event.
"Over 300 players representing clubs and institutions will participate in the league. Many state level players from India and former national state and university players can be seen in action," said Vijayakumar.
Teams
Men: Nucaf Hustlers, Dubai All Stars, Dubai Zeroz, Bait Al Izz, Dubai Hoopers, Dubai, Mean Machines, Sharjah, Alfa One Street Legends, Sharjah, Blade Watches City Stars and City Fives, Sharjah.
Women: Saintz, Dubai, Trishco Jaguars, Nucaf, Dubai, Delhi Private School, Sharjah and Clipsal, Dubai
U13 boys: Emirates National School, Sharjah, New Indian Model School, Sharjah, Young Elite, Dubai, Delhi Private School, Sharjah, The Indian High School, Dubai, Delhi Private School, Dubai.
