UYBA Basketball Tournament Showcases Young Talent in Noida
Exciting Basketball Tournament in Noida
The UYBA Basketball Tournament took place at the Noida Indoor Stadium, uniting aspiring basketball players from various regions of India and offering them a chance to display their skills.
Manraj Singh, a participant in the tournament, expressed that the event was an enriching experience, emphasizing that such initiatives would motivate more individuals to engage in basketball.
“This has been a fantastic experience for us… Events like this will inspire many to take up basketball in the future. The sport is gaining traction in India, and we hope to have chances to compete internationally,” Singh remarked.
Shruti Thakur, representing a team from West Bengal, also commended the tournament's organization, noting that players are receiving enhanced opportunities through such events.
“We are part of a team from West Bengal, and our experience here has been excellent. The organization was top-notch, and players are getting valuable opportunities,” Thakur stated.
The inaugural UYBA (Ulhas YuviPep Basketball Academy) 3×3 Basketball Tournament, held on August 8 and 9, 2026, at the Sports Soul Arena in Noida, attracted participants from over 20 states and featured a prize pool of ₹2 lakh.
In related news, Kulvinder Singh Gill, Secretary General of the Basketball Federation of India, highlighted the significance of hosting the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad, marking its return to India after 22 years.
He emphasized that the country's world-class infrastructure, recent achievements in regional tournaments, and talent development programs will significantly enhance the sport's growth. A professional league set to launch in 2027 is expected to provide players with better career prospects.
The FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad from August 13 to 23.
“Hosting this championship after 22 years is a prestigious moment for us. The new stadiums in Ahmedabad are world-class, which will greatly benefit Indian basketball and the state of Gujarat. Sixteen teams will compete, including the defending champions, Australia, and the runner-up, New Zealand. The Indian team reached the quarter-finals in the last Asian-Oceania Championship, and as hosts, we have been preparing diligently,” Gill noted.
“We also triumphed in the recent South Asian Championship, so we expect to leverage our home-court advantage for a better performance this time. Indian athletes are currently achieving more medals at the Commonwealth Games than ever before. The Prime Minister and the Union Sports Minister are closely monitoring how India can excel in future Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. The Basketball Federation of India has set up several academic centers, providing new players with free boarding and lodging at quality schools through talent scouting. Additionally, we are on track to launch a professional league in early 2027, which will encourage both current and aspiring players to consider basketball as a viable career option,” he added.