The 2nd Edition of the Inter High School & Higher Secondary School Basketball Tournament, organised by the Basketball Association Mokokchung District (BAMD) under the aegis of the Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA), got underway on Wednesday at the BAMD Basketball Court, Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.
Held on the theme “Forging Future”, the three-day tournament (August 5–7) has brought together eight schools in the boys’ category and five schools in the girls’ category, including participating teams from Dimapur.
The tournament carries a total prize pool of ₹55,000, along with Running Trophies. Individual awards will also be presented to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Most Promising Player in both the Boys’ and Girls’ categories, each accompanied by a cash prize and trophy.
Delivering the inaugural address, District Education Officer (DEO) Mokokchung, Arenla, who attended as the chief guest, expressed gratitude to the Basketball Association Mokokchung District (BAMD) for inviting the District Education Office and for providing a valuable platform for young athletes to showcase their talents. She commended the organisers for their efforts and wished the tournament continued success in the years ahead.
Describing basketball as a game of speed, strategy, teamwork and discipline, she encouraged the players to make the most of the tournament by learning to trust their teammates, accept defeat gracefully and celebrate victory with humility. She urged the participants to play with dedication and fairness while respecting the referees, opponents and the game itself.
Stating that true success is measured not only by winning trophies but by becoming better individuals through sports, Arenla wished all the participating teams the very best and officially declared the 2nd Inter High School & Higher Secondary School Basketball Tournament 2026 open.
This year’s tournament features Don Bosco Higher Secondary School (DBHSS), Dimapur and Holy Cross Higher Secondary School (HCHSS), Dimapur, alongside host district schools Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School (MGHSS), Christian Residential Higher Secondary School (CRHSS), Queen Mary Higher Secondary School (QMHSS), Eden Academy, Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School (CMHSS) Impur, and Government High School (GHS), Changki.
Queen Mary Higher Secondary School are the defending champions for both the boys’ and girls’ retained titles last year, while several regular participants, including Town Higher Secondary School and Yajen Aier Higher Secondary School, are absent from this edition.
In the tournament opener (Boys), Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur defeated Government High School, Changki 36-28.
In the Girls’ category, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur registered a 19-12 victory over Christian Residential Higher Secondary School.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The most closely contested match of the day saw Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School (MGHSS) edge defending champions Queen Mary Higher Secondary School (QMHSS) 28-26 in the Boys’ category, handing the defending champions an early setback.
Another dominant performance from Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, which defeated Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School (CMHSS) Impur 47-16 in the Boys’ category.
In the fifth match of the day, Eden Academy outclassed Christian Residential Higher Secondary School (CRHSS) 41-15 in the Boys’ category.
Welcoming all participants, guests, officials, teachers, parents, sponsors and the media, Tutu Jamir, Convenor, Organising committee extended a special welcome to the visiting teams from Don Bosco Higher Secondary School and Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur. She said the tournament’s theme, “Forging Future,” reflects the belief that the future is built through resilience, perseverance and strong character.
Jamir said the second edition of the tournament marks the continuation of BAMD’s vision of using sports as a platform to nurture young talent, build character and develop future leaders. She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from parents, coaches, teachers, team managers and volunteers, saying their encouragement has helped the tournament grow stronger.
Encouraging the players to compete with passion, courage and discipline, she reminded them that while the scoreboard determines the winner of a match, attitude, discipline and sportsmanship define the winner in life. She also thanked all participating schools for accepting the invitation and urged everyone to uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship, wishing all teams success and a memorable tournament.
The programme was chaired by Achetla, while the invocation was offered by Monglir, Associate Pastor, Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo (MTBA). A special presentation was presented by Jubilee Memorial Higher Secondary School. The players’ oath was administered by Merenlong, Technical and Referee Coordinator.
The league stage will continue over the next two days before the tournament concludes with the finals on August 7.
