KATHMANDU: Nepal Basketball Association (NeBA) and 3X3 committee is set to organise the second edition of Nepal Basketball Championship, a 3X3 basketball tournament, at the Dasharath Stadium covered hall from February 10 to 12.

The championship featuring the men’s team will see participation of 32 teams from four countries of the South Asia region, informed NeBA President Bhim Singh Gurung at a press conference on Saturday. 

Altogether 22 teams from Nepal, one from Pakistan, three from India, and four from Bangladesh will compete in the event, with two additional teams still to be confirmed. “The first edition of the tournament was a huge success. We have invited quality teams this time and aim to make the event even better,” Gurung stated.

The participating teams will be divided into eight groups of four teams each, said Narendra Thapa, the general secretary of NeBA. The winners and runners-up from each group will advance to the knockout stage, starting with the pre-quarterfinal round. Each Nepali team can recruit up to two foreign players for their squad, with one allowed to participate during the game,” added Thapa.

Gurung further added that the championships will be helpful in promoting tourism, brotherhood and enhancing Nepal’s image as a sports tourism hub. However, he noted that they have not received any financial support from the National Sports Council (NSC), the country’s governing body for sports.

India, Pakistan to play friendly

The teams representing India and Pakistan will play a friendly match on the final day of the championship on Wednesday. “Both India and Pakistan have requested us to arrange a friendly game on the final day. The match will be helpful in promoting Nepal as a neutral sports venue,” said Gurung.