Mahindra NBA Challenge crowns youth champions in Mumbai and Delhi

Six teams were crowned champions of the second season of the Mahindra NBA Challenge in Mumbai on Saturday at the Father Agnel School (Vashi). Eighty-two teams participated in the youth division of the second season of the league, up from 54 last season. In New Delhi, the finals were held at the Delhi Public School in Vasant Kunj on the same day.

The Mahindra NBA Challenge, conducted in collaboration with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), is the largest, multi-city community based basketball league in India and provides both basketball enthusiasts and newcomers the opportunity to learn basketball fundamentals and apply their skills in a fun, competitive environment.

In addition to the final games, the day featured All-Star games, shooting contests, and performances by local dance teams. Fans and spectators also had a chance to be winners at the finals in off-court contests run by Mahindra.

This season, games were held at five different locations, up from two last year, engaging more communities and encouraging wider participation and interest. In Mumbai, Along with Father Agnel School (Vashi), Mahindra NBA Challenge games were also played at Colaba YMCA, Don Bosco School (Matunga), Indian Gymkhana and Andheri YMCA. The adult division, for players 19 and over, will take place in Mumbai in January. In addition to games on the weekend, 15 clinics were held for players and coaches throughout the season.

It was the first year of the Mahindra Challenge in New Delhi, and almost 80 teams took part. Games were held at the Bal Bharti School in Karol Bagh and DPS in RK-Puram. In the last week of games, the All-Star Games, Semi-Finals, Finals, and Shooting Contests were all held in DPS Vasant Kunj.

The 2010-11 Mahindra NBA Challenge expanded to five cities, from three last year, to include first time leagues in Delhi and Chennai. The league in Delhi ran concurrently with Mumbai and also wrapped up this weekend. Across Mumbai and Delhi, there were over 1,500 participants and more than 140 coaches participating in the leagues. The Sub Junior division was a new addition to the league this year, providing more children with the opportunity to participate in the league.

Later this season, the inaugural league in Chennai will launch along with the leagues in Bangalore and Ludhiana. Additionally, the adult division, for players 19 and over, will take place in Mumbai and Delhi in January.