Dubai: The UAE Basketball Association has given its backing to a big tournament for Indian expatriates, which is set to begin on September 25 at the Salah Al Deen Indoor Hall at Mamzar.
The inaugural edition of the Nucaf Tellicherry Beatrice (NTB) Basketball League will be held under the auspices of the UAE Basketball Association and will feature 30 teams playing over 35 days, making it one of the longest basketball leagues for UAE expatriates.
C.T.K Nazir, owner of Nucaf and one of the architects of the popular Kerala Premier League (KPL) cricket tournament, told Gulf News: “This tournament will go on until October 30 and will see contests in various categories like senior men and women, as well as school teams for boys under-19s and under-13s, showcasing UAE’s finest basketball teams on court.”
“The NTB Basketball League is promoted by Nucaf and Beatrice Sport Club with the motive to create the best possible experience for players, fans and supporters. Tournament convener Siddique Oliyath has left no stone unturned and we look forward to some exciting contests.
“Former Indian basketball players Tom Thomas, Rajon Job, T. Ali of DPS Sharjah, and Vijay Kumar of NIMS Sharjah will be honoured for their outstanding contribution to sport during this mega event.”
Beatrice Sports Club Global Secretary Joseph Thomas revealed the significance of the event. “Beatrice Sports Club Tellicherry will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and this event is staged as a tribute to its wonderful and amazing long-running success,” he said.
“We want the best basketball players in the city to come together every year and compete for the NTB championship in the right spirit. These players work hard all season and now they will have the chance to display their talents at an outstanding venue.”