CISCE National Basketball Championship for Girls Begins at St. Joseph School, Sector Alpha-1

Greater Noida:The CISCE National Basketball Championship for Girls commenced today at St. Joseph School, Sector Alpha-1, Greater Noida, with great enthusiasm and sporting spirit. The championship began with a colourful cultural programme presented by the students of the school, followed by an impressive March Past by the participating teams. The inauguration ceremony was graced by renowned international basketball player Mr. Harsh Dagar as the Chief Guest. Mr. Dagar has represented the Indian basketball team and has been the captain of the Indian Under-18 team that won the Gold Medal in 2022, as well as the senior basketball team. He was also honoured as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2022.

The event was also graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Romeo James, former hockey goalkeeper, recipient of the Dhyan Chand Award, and coordinator of the Indian hockey team that won the 2016 World Cup, along with Mr. Virendra Vikram Singh, Secretary of the Basketball Organisation and Vice-President of the Uttar Pradesh Basketball Association. Several other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. The championship was formally inaugurated with the hoisting of the tournament flag by Principal Father Jipson Pallaty and School Manager Father Andrew Correa, along with the Chief Guests.

Principal Father Jipson Pallaty expressed his firm commitment to conducting the championship smoothly and ensuring that every participating team and visitor receives the best possible facilities. The Physical Education Department, comprising Mr. Manish Tiwari, Mrs. Ekta Khanna, Mrs. Sangeeta Rathi, Ms. Srijan Kumari and Mr. Trimoan Kumar, along with the entire St. Joseph family, is working with dedication, faith and enthusiasm to make the championship a grand success. The three-day championship is being held from 27 to 29 August 2026. Around 540 talented players accompanied by 90 coaches have arrived from different parts of the country to showcase their basketball skills. A team of 15 officials and referees has also been appointed to ensure fair and efficient conduct of the matches.

Addressing the young players, Chief Guest Mr. Harsh Dagar encouraged them to remain focused and disciplined. He said:

«“Every player should keep honesty, hard work and the goal in mind. Success and failure are only two milestones; it is essential to move forward with determination from one milestone to the next.”» His inspiring words motivated the players to give their best on the court.

Results of Today’s Matches

1. U-19: Andhra Pradesh–Telangana defeated Maharashtra — 30–12
2. U-19: Bihar–Jharkhand defeated Odisha — 24–8
3. U-19: Kerala defeated North-East Region — 16–5
4. U-19: Uttarakhand defeated Chhattisgarh — 19–3
5. U-19: Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–Andaman & Nicobar defeated North Bengal–North-East Region — 26–5
6. U-19: Uttar Pradesh defeated Madhya Pradesh — 47–3
7. U-19: Karnataka defeated North India — 53–12
8. U-17: Karnataka & Goa defeated Kerala — 24–6
9. U-17: Uttarakhand defeated North-East Region — 18–0
10. U-17: Maharashtra defeated North Bengal & North-East Region — 28–6
11. U-17: Andhra Pradesh–Telangana defeated North India & North Bengal — 24–5
12. U-17: Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–Andaman & Nicobar defeated Chhattisgarh — 36–3
13. U-17: Bihar–Jharkhand defeated West Bengal — 21–13
14. U-17: North India defeated Madhya Pradesh — 21–2
15. U-14: Maharashtra defeated North Bengal & North India — 28–6
16. U-14: Madhya Pradesh defeated Chhattisgarh — 14–1