The Basketball Association of Sikkim has secured provisional affiliation with the Basketball Federation of India after nearly a decade-long struggle. This breakthrough paves the way for the participation of Sikkim’s state basketball teams in the National level Championships for the first time. The inaugural appearance of the Sikkim Boys and Girls teams in the Indian Youth National Championships, slated from April 9th to April 15th, 2024, at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Puducherry, marks a significant milestone in the state’s sporting history.
Led by coach Jigdrel Dorjee Lepcha, the Boys team comprises talented players including Captain Rinzing Ongchuk, Phuntsok Zangpo Bhutia, Aayan Nath Pradhan, and others. Meanwhile, the Girls team, captained by Prava Tamang, features promising athletes like Aahana Sachi Gurung, Pema Lhamu Lepcha, and more.Guiding both teams will be the experienced State coach, Mr. Sonam T. Barfungpa, supported by Assistant Coach Ms. Pem Choden Lepcha, and Manager Mr. Siddharth Yonzon. The teams are scheduled to depart for the tournament on April 6th, 2024.
Mr. Jigmela Wazilingpa, the General Secretary of BAS, expressed enthusiasm for future endeavors, announcing plans to send Junior and Senior teams in the coming months. With an action-packed year ahead, Sikkim Basketball is poised for an exciting journey of growth and success.
