Hyderabad, August 8th, 2024: The Crimson Inter-School Basketball Championship – Season 1, a high-energy spectacle, was held from August 2 to 4, 2024, at St. Michaels School, Alwal, Hyderabad. The event, supported by the Telangana Basketball Association, saw impressive victories and overwhelming participation from 17 schools across the city. Teams were divided into four groups – and each game was a knockout one – with winners from round 1 progressing to Quarter-Finals, Semis, and then Finals. A total of 19 matches were played over three days.
Several basketball legends graced the event, adding to its prominence. Mohammed Rizwan, former captain of the Indian National Basketball Team who has represented our country in numerous international tournaments; Nathan Abraham, an alumnus of St. Michael’s School and a former captain of the Telangana National Team; and C.V. Sunny, former head coach of the Indian Senior Men’s Basketball Team and current head coach of Tamil Nadu’s Senior Men’s Team and MG University Women’s Team, were among the notable guests who attended the tournament.
Crimson launched the Inter-School Basketball Championship to nurture a wide range of sports in all its geographies. Preparing for such events can encourage students to develop healthy habits, boosting their mental and physical well-being.
In the inaugural match, St. Michaels School played against T.I.M.E School, Kandlakoya. Both teams displayed great skills and sportsmanship on the court, and St. Michaels School emerged victorious with a score of 25-8.
As the championship progressed, the competition got close, with multiple nail-biting finishes and games going into extra time. It thus was challenging to predict the champions until the end. This level playing field ensured every team had an equal chance to show their talent. The winning team received the Championship trophy and medals during the closing ceremony. DRS International School was crowned the champion, and Army Public School was the runner-up.
The closing ceremony was marked by speeches from the school governing board and representatives from the Telangana Basketball Association, who commended all school teams for their excellent team spirit and zeal throughout the three days of the championship.
“The remarkable turnout and boundless enthusiasm of the participants were truly heartening. The Crimson Inter-School Basketball Championship strengthened team spirit and promoted exemplary sportsmanship, igniting a profound passion for basketball among our students. By combining competitive play with a focus on holistic development, the championship supported students’ physical health, enhanced their self-belief, and built resilience. The championship has demonstrated how sports are integral to students’ well-being and academic success. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and energy displayed by all participants, showcasing the true spirit of Crimson,” remarked Mr. Husien Dohadwalla, CEO of Crimson Education, addressing the participants and spectators
Chiming in, Mr. Isaac Noman, Secretary of the Telangana Basketball Association, said, “It is our pleasure to collaborate with and endorse the Crimson Inter-School Basketball Championship. We aim to nurture young talent and provide opportunities for children to play the sport of basketball, and this championship is a great initiative in that direction.”
The success of the Crimson Inter-School Basketball Championship has set the stage for it becoming an annual event hosted at St. Michaels School, promoting a holistic approach to student development.