State team reaches Knockout Stage for the first time before elimination in Chennai
Nagaland’s campaign at the 75th Senior National Basketball Championship came to an end after a defeat to West Bengal in the second Knockout Qualifying match, but the team returned from Chennai with its best-ever performance at the national level, having qualified for the Knockout Stage for the first time in the tournament’s history.
The championship was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from January 4 to 11, 2026. Nagaland’s qualification from Level 2 to Level 1 marked a significant milestone for the state, reflecting steady progress in competitive basketball.
Placed in Level 2 Group G alongside Assam, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Sikkim, Nagaland began its campaign with a narrow 41–50 loss to Assam. Despite the defeat, the team put up a strong defensive effort, with Benhilo emerging as the top scorer with 15 points.
Nagaland bounced back emphatically in the second group match, registering a commanding 60–23 win over Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The match saw Cuwe Mero deliver a standout performance, finishing with 22 points as Nagaland dominated proceedings from the outset.
In their final group fixture against Sikkim, Nagaland secured a 55–27 win. After a closely contested first half, the team pulled away in the third and fourth quarters. Cuwe Mero once again led the scoring with 14 points, helping Nagaland advance to the Knockout Qualifying stage.
The state team then faced Meghalaya in the first Knockout Qualifying match on January 7, where Nagaland recorded a 53–39 win to keep their promotion hopes alive. The win underlined the team’s growing cohesion and discipline on court, with Cuwe Mero contributing 17 points and Nukshizulu adding nine.
Nagaland’s campaign concluded on January 8 after a loss to a strong West Bengal side in the second Knockout Qualifying match. Despite the team’s efforts, Nagaland went down 81–39, bringing their historic run to a close.
Across the tournament, Cuwe Mero emerged as one of Nagaland’s most consistent performers, playing a central role in the team’s qualification to the Knockout Stage. His leadership and scoring were key factors in Nagaland’s progress through the competition.
Commenting on the team’s performance, Sentiningsang Longkumer, Honorary Secretary of the Nagaland Basketball Association, said the Knockout qualification was a historic achievement for the state. He said the team’s showing demonstrated the potential of Nagaland’s players and underscored the need for greater investment in sports infrastructure, training and competitive exposure.
