Ludhiana: Punjab’s men’s and women’s basketball teams have arrived in Pondicherry to compete in the 76th Junior National Basketball Championship, scheduled from May 22 to May 29, 2026. Both squads are determined to secure the championship titles after undergoing a rigorous state selection process and three months of intensive training.
Arrival and Expectations
Teja Dhaliwal, general secretary of the Punjab Basketball Association (PBA), confirmed that the players reached the venue on Wednesday. He expressed high hopes for the tournament, highlighting that the selection trials and practice camps were meticulously executed to ensure peak performance. The PBA has left no stone unturned in preparing the athletes for this prestigious event.
Men’s Team: Confidence and Strategy
Men’s team coach Jaipal Singh expressed immense confidence in his squad, emphasizing that the tournament will demand a collective effort. While acknowledging that the final outcomes hinge on match-day execution, he stated unequivocally that the ultimate goal for both categories is to bring home the national trophy. The men’s squad is led by captain Shaurya Sachdeva, with a lineup that includes Jobandeep Singh, Suhaan, Jivitesh, Danish, Sukhnaib Singh, Manjot Singh, Rakshit, Yodhveer Singh, Lovepreet Singh, Divjot Singh, and Romanjot Singh. The coaching staff comprises Jaipal Singh and Jaspreet Singh, with Narinderpal serving as the team manager.
Women’s Team: Determination and Leadership
The women’s team is spearheaded by captain Bhumika. The playing lineup features Vinay, Vanshika, Bhavreet Kaur, Priya, Saina, Sukhman Kaur, Gurnoor Kaur, Pawanpreet Kaur, Tishmeet Kaur, Deepika, and Tanvir Kaur. The women’s squad is trained by coaches Bhavkhandan Singh and Ravinder Gill, with Charanjit Kaur managing the side. Both teams have undergone extensive preparation, and the players are eager to showcase their skills on the national stage.
