Hungpung, Manipur: The Wilders Club is once again hosting its much-anticipated Winter Basketball Tournament, marking the 8th edition of the event. Continuing its tradition of the 3×3 Open Basketball Challenge, the two-day tournament features 17 teams from different parts of Manipur, competing for the championship at Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Hungpung, Ukhrul district.
Fr. Michael, Principal of Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, sparked the tournament with inspiring words, fueling team spirit, as Themreichan CM, President of Wilders Club, hoisted the inaugural flag, officially kicking off the 8th Wilders Club Winter Basketball Tournament.
The two-day tournament will feature 14 men’s teams and 3 women’s teams from various districts competing for the championship. The event has attracted several regular teams and players, contributing to the growth of the sport and encouraging youngsters to engage in positive activities, steering them away from substance abuse
Almastan Asif, a regular in the tournament from team Aces, Imphal, praised the tournament, saying it’s a great opportunity for Ukhrul’s kids to focus on sports and stay away from substance abuse. He noted Ukhrul’s facilities are basic compared to Imphal’s, with makeshift courts and non-professional equipment, but hopes things will improve over time.
A player from Noney district expressed enthusiasm for participating in the tournament, driven by passion for the game. He lamented the absence of facilities and development initiatives to support local talent in his district yet remained optimistic about achieving success and promoting basketball in the region.
In the women’s category, defending champions Hunphun Hoopsters remain confident of retaining their title as they prepare to face two other competing teams. Aching Sayo, captain of Hoopsters, shared that representing Ukhrul at the State level recently has been a valuable learning experience for the players and has strengthened their resolve ahead of the tournament.
Over the years, the Wilders Club Winter Basketball Tournament has become a significant fixture in Manipur’s basketball calendar, especially for players and enthusiasts in the hill districts where exposure to the sport remains limited. With only two schools—Savio Higher Secondary School and Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School—having basketball courts, young aspiring players often struggle to find adequate space and facilities to train.
The organizers lamented the fact that communal violence in the state has affected participation, bringing a temporary lull to the otherwise vibrant tournament. Prior to the unrest, teams from Imphal and Churachandpur were regular participants, adding energy and diversity to the competition.
Despite these challenges, the tournament has acted as a catalyst for change, encouraging participation and fostering interest in basketball among school-going boys and girls. This year marks a major milestone for the Wilders Club, as it successfully represented Ukhrul at the State Level Basketball Tournament in Imphal, reflecting the steady growth of the sport in the region.
