The U-12 basketball teams were the first to reach the quarter-finals

After a successful start in the Under-12 international friendly basketball tournament, both the teams from Bhutan lost to South Korea in the quarter-finals at Jeju Island, South Korea.

Bhutanese boys lost 43-53 on their second meeting of the tournament on December 3. Bhutan had lost to the same team 19-21 in the league round.

The girls’ team lost its quarterfinal match to South Korea 14-30 yesterday. The team was the first ever from home to play the quarterfinals at the international tournament.

Both the teams participated in the international tournament for the first time.

The U-12 boys’ team entered the quarter-final after securing two wins and a loss in the league round. Bhutan defeated Taiwan 36-31, and ABT Korea 43-22.

In the girls’ category, Bhutan defeated Canadian team 20-8, lost to team PEC Korea 19-21 in the league round.

Bhutan Basketball Federation (BBF) Coach Dechen said that the team’s performance was better although it was their first international tournament.

“We appreciate the amazing performance of both the teams. They are the first team from the country to play in the quarter-final at the international tournament. It’s a proud moment for us.”

The squads, selected from the daily after-school training conducted by the federation, were led by the Korean Coach Kim Kiyong, and Coach Tshewang Zangmo.

The expenses of the players are borne jointly by parents, BBF and Korean Basketball Association.

The teams received food and lodging support from the Korean Basketball Association.

The federation supported the teams with the sports kit and the official entry. However, the parents of the team had to bear travel expense.

Federation’s officials said that they could send only limited players because of the budget constraints.

“We could not stop the players from participating in the international platform because of the budget limitation as we’re encouraging youth to take up the sport as a career. Such opportunity would motivate young players.”

The tournament ends on December 8.

Nima

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