The rebranded Junior National Basketball Championship as the Junior Premier League Basketball, returned with its 20th edition, when the level 3 got underway on Thursday (27) at St Joseph’s Court Trincomalee.

The level two is slotted for the Tuesday-Friday (8-11) and level one Tuesday-Monday (8-14) in Kandy & Colombo’s Sugathadasa indoor courts respectively and will run into the month of December.

This annual event will feature Sri Lanka’s finest youth basketball talent including future stars from the age group of U23. Men & Women players are eligible to play representing their respective district associations, Sri Lanka Schools and Sri Lanka Universities.

12 district teams in 4 groups will demonstrate their supremacy in level 3 format and the champions will be elevated to the next level to compete.

With the Grand finale tipping off during the second week of December for level 1, “the rebranding was done with a future focus to bring youth the much-needed exposure in local competitions” said Paul Newman, Acting President of Sri Lanka Basketball Federation (SLBF).

SLBF has partnered with Vaaj Group of Companies to create the best possible experience for young players and fans during the upcoming games. The Group CEO, Mr Ashok Jeyakumar, who himself has played basketball at many levels, commenting said “This partnership is an investment in the growth of youth basketball in Sri Lanka and it is an absolute honour to continue our sponsorship journey with the recommencement of youth tournament after a lapse of 17 years”. The tournament recommences after 2005 and was started in 1984 as Junior National Championship.

Sri Lanka Basketball proudly completes 105 years of basketball and also believes that has provided many social benefits during these long years generating communities, fostering friendships and reducing anti-social behaviour. With a strong community base of 12,000 island wide and 126 schools actively participating in the sport, Basketball in Sri Lanka has found its lost glory becoming one of the fastest growing sports in Sri Lanka.

(Pics - SLBF)