Date:27/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/27/stories/2005122702541900.htm

Sport - Basketball

Organisers ready for the challenge

PUNE: The four-decade wait is over. The Maharashtra State Basketball Association, under the aegis of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), will host the 56th edition of the senior National basketball championship for men and women. It last conducted a senior National event in 1966.

Led by the dynamism of the organising secretary, M. Venkatesh, the 28 men's and 26 women's teams in the fray can look forward to a smooth and successful conduct of the event. The tournament begins here on Wednesday.

The Indian team for the Commonwealth Games will be selected on the basis of the performances here.The organisers, after the resounding success of the Savio Cup all-India basketball championships held last month in Mumbai, are ready for the challenge.— Sports Reporter