LEKHI : Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing on Sunday expressed confidence that the state’s emerging basketball players have the potential to excel at the national level as he inaugurated the 6th State-Level Inter-School Basketball Tournament 2026 at Khinia Sports Arena in Lekhi.
Organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Basketball Association (APBA), the championship has brought together 48 teams and nearly 600 players from across the state. The week-long tournament features competitions in the Under-15 and Under-19 boys’ and girls’ categories.
Launching the championship with a ceremonial tip-off, Tasing said the enthusiastic participation reflected the growing popularity of basketball in Arunachal Pradesh and highlighted the immense sporting talent among the state’s youth.
He said sports are not merely about winning medals but also about building discipline, resilience, teamwork and leadership, adding that the values learnt on the playing field help shape responsible citizens.
Urging participants to make the most of the tournament, the Minister encouraged them to compete with passion, integrity and true sportsmanship while showing respect to teammates, opponents, coaches and match officials.
Expressing optimism about the future of basketball in Arunachal Pradesh, Tasing said many of the young athletes participating in the championship possess the potential to emerge as future champions and bring laurels to the state at national competitions.
He also wished all teams a safe, competitive and memorable tournament, stating that such events provide invaluable competitive exposure while fostering friendship, discipline and sporting excellence.
According to the organisers, the championship has been designed to identify and nurture promising basketball talent from schools across Arunachal Pradesh, with the best performers expected to represent the state at higher-level competitions.
Among those present at the inaugural function were Sports and Youth Affairs Special Secretary Akshat Kaushal, Sports Director Tadar Appa, West Siang District Sports Officer Eken Bam, APBA Chief Patron Pema Norbu Thongchi, APBA President Donyi E. Ori and General Secretary Dikto Kare.
