Dimapur, 29 October (MTNews): In the second edition of the MS Ahluwalia Memorial 3×3 Basketball Tournament, held from October 26 to October 28, 2023, Kohima Highlanders triumphed in the men’s category, while Elite B claimed the title in the women’s division.
The grand finale of this thrilling tournament, hosted at the JV Foundation Basketball Court, witnessed the esteemed presence of DGP Nagaland, Rupin Sharma (IPS), who graced the event as the special guest. During his speech, the DGP conveyed his appreciation to the Ahluwalia patrons for providing a valuable platform to the budding basketball talents of Nagaland. He fondly recollected his strong ties with the Sikh Community, renowned for their selfless service to the world, and also shared his passion for sports during his college days.
DGP Sharma assured his support to athletes and organizers including lending police facilities for the sportspersons and organizers as the department has some decent sports facilities in Chumoukedima and Dimapur. Besides these, the department can also provide accommodation for outstation teams in order to encourage youngsters. Additionally, he urged the youngsters to keep an eye out for recruitment notifications, emphasizing that being skilled in sports could provide an edge over other candidates.
In his address, Mr Harjinder Singh Dolly expressed gratitude to DGP Sharma for gracing the event and congratulated the President and his team of Dimapur District Basketball Association for the successful conduct of the tournament. He also extended a warm invitation to all teams for the upcoming third edition of the MS Ahluwalia Memorial 3×3 Basketball Tournament, set to take place next year.
Elite B and Orca B emerged champions and runners-up in the women’s division respectively, while Kohima Highlanders emerged as champions in the men’s division with Orca as the runners-up.
In both the women’s and men’s categories, the champion teams secured Rs 30,000 in prize money, while the runners-up received INR 15,000.
Kenyuni Keppen of Elite B was adjudged the MVP in the women’s division while Chumbemo Kikon of Kohima Highlanders was adjudged the MVP in the men’s division. Both MVPs were awarded a cash prize of Rs 5,000 and received a customized jersey from ‘House of Screens.’