Thinley Namgay  

Yojanas will play against Basket Bees in the final of the women’s open basketball championship in Phuentsholing on January 29.

Both the finalists grabbed seven points each after winning three of the four games played in the league round.  The league round ended on January 25.

Yojanas captain, Tshering Palden is confident that her team of young students can beat Basket Bees. “We are newcomers, but played decisively in the league.”

“The only game we lost in the league was against Heat Waves by a point. We lost 40-41,” Tshering Palden said.

She said all team members appeared class XII exams and the basket tournament is one of the platforms to engage themselves during the winter vacation. “Participating in the tournament with close friends is encouraging.”   

“We are preparing for the final,” she said.

Dechen Zangmo, the captain of Basket Bees said that they expect a tough game in the final. “We lost to Yojanas by three points in the league, but we are confident to face them.”

This is the second appearance in the championship for the Bees.

Dechen said her teammates have been phenomenal this time despite limited training. “We are passionate about basketball.”

Organised by  Phuentsholing Sports Association (PSA), the tournament began on January 15 for both men and women categories.

PSA’s General Secretary, Sonam Lhagyel, said that only five women’s teams and nine men’s teams took part. “This time not many teams participated. This could be one of the lowest turn-ups over the years.”

He said that PSA organised open basketball tournaments twice a year and had at least 15 teams take part in both categories. “Maybe this time, the youths of Phuentsholing are not around or it could also be due to a lack of a sponsor.”

In the men’s tournament, Unknown Ballers will face Majins, and Zippers will play against Unameus today.