Shillong, March 3: The 8th edition of the North East 3×3 Basketball Challenge concluded with resounding success as Diphu Nihang and Shillong Labet emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s categories respectively. Hosted by Touchline Basketball in collaboration with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, the event garnered widespread acclaim, supported by endorsements from FIBA3X3, the global governing body of 3×3 basketball, and the Meghalaya Basketball Association.
In a fiercely contested men’s final, Diphu Nihang triumphed over SYM Guwahati with a decisive scoreline of 18-11, securing the coveted title. Their journey to victory included a convincing semifinal win against Monarchs, with a score of 21-10. Nathan Abraham of Diphu Nihang was honored with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his stellar performance throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, in the women’s division, Shillong Labet clinched the championship title by defeating Diphu Nihang with a score of 14-08. Spearheaded by players like Raspreet Sidhu, the current Indian No. 1 in 3×3 basketball, along with Rashi Khotani, Ishika Choudhary, and Garima Gosain, Shillong Labet maintained their dominance from the onset. Ishika Choudhary’s outstanding contributions earned her the MVP accolade, reflecting her exceptional prowess on the court.The event also witnessed thrilling competitions in the 2-point shooting championship, where Ching Gangmei of Team Sweet Sixteen emerged victorious in the men’s category, while Dharitri Sarania from SYM Guwahati claimed the title in the women’s segment. The Slam Dunk competition showcased remarkable talent, with Nathan Abraham securing the championship title.
Reflecting on the success of the tournament, Andrew Suting of Touchline Basketball expressed his gratitude towards the players and basketball enthusiasts whose participation contributed to the event’s triumph. He emphasized the event’s dual purpose of promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle.
Ishika Choudhary, the MVP and champion, lauded the competitive spirit of all participating teams from Shillong and commended their resilience on the court. Nathan Abraham echoed similar sentiments, expressing his delight at witnessing the growth of basketball in India.
