Play for Deprived Children Nepal (PDCN), a non-government organisation, is set to organise the Basketball League, one of the Nepal’s biggest ever national level tournament, from Saturday.

The tournament is the country’s first ever double round robin league home and away basketball competition featuring eight teams. The tournament comes as a big boost for hoopsters, who have not been able to get involved in a lengthy basketball programme throughout their career. 

“This league pushes Nepali basketball towards professionalism. We have been competing in tournaments where we end up playing maximum four to five games. But to get a one and half month long event will give us exposure into a good competition,” said national basketball team captain Sadish Pradhan. 

The tournament will feature a total of 60 matches, including three playoffs and the final. The participating teams will play each other at home and away basis. The top four teams after the double league will make it to the playoffs. In the playoffs, the first-placed team will clash with the club ending up fourth. Second and third placed team will meet in the other playoff. 

The third place playoff and final will be held at the National Sports Council covered hall along Saturday’s inaugural day match between Tribhuvan Army Club and Bishal Milan Kendra. Other teams include Himalayan Hounds, South Siders Basketball Club, Xavier International, Team Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kirtipur Basketball Team and Golden Gate College. 

The champions will get Rs 200,000. The first and second runners-up will get Rs 100,000 and Rs 50,000. Nepal Basketball Association (NeBA) has provided technical assistance for the tournament. NeBA President Lama Tendi Sherpa said they were awaiting the response of the tournament. 

“This tournament comes as a trial, also for the NeBA. It’s a good initiative from a private firm and NeBA has given nod in terms of technical assistance and other helps,” said Sherpa on Friday. Lal Babu Prasad, AGM of Chaudhary Group whose product Kwiks is the title sponsor, said they want to get a long term association with the tournament. 

“We really liked the way they have planned this tournament. Basketball is very popular among youngsters. We want to help grow this sports in the country. We want to stick with this programme for the next three to four years and popularise it as KBL,” said Prasad. 

PDCN President Arun Karki expected the tournament to help domestic basketball. “Our objective is to serve Nepali basketball in a holistic way to make sure that Nepali basketball moves one step forward. This is just a beginning and we have plans to take it across the country in the same format,” said Karki.