Kathmandu, February 16

Play for Deprived Children Nepal is organising the Kwik’s Basketball League, first-ever home and away series, at eight venues of Kathmandu valley from Saturday.

A total of eight teams — Bishal Milan Kendra, South Siders, Team Budhanilkantha, Himalayan Hunk, Tribhuvan Army Club, Xavier International College, Golden Gate International College and Kirtipur Basketball Team — will compete in the double round robin tournament, informed PDCN President Arun Karki at a press meet today.

“The tournament will be played under home and away format as all the participating teams will host other teams and also play away matches. The opening and final matches will be played at the National Sports Council covered hall,” said Karki.

After the round robin matches, top four teams will make it to the playoff round. The table toppers will face fourth placed team, while team finishing second will take on third placed team. The winners will then enter the final, while the losing sides will play for third place. Top three teams will take home Rs 200,000, Rs 100,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively.

Similarly, the most valuable player of the tournament along with the highest scorer, best defender, emerging player and coach will receive gift voucher worth Rs 10,000 each from sportswear company ANTA, while man-of-the-match in 28 matches will get gift voucher from KTM City.

The organisers also informed that teams could include three foreign players but they are allowed to field only one player at a time. Karki said the tournament was being organised with the aim taking the game to the next level.

Kwik’s — a product of Chaudhary Group — is the title sponsor of the event, while Nepal Basketball Association will provide technical support along with financial support. Chaudhary Group’s Assistant General Manager Lal Babu Prasad said the company wanted to connect Kwik’s with Nepal’s basketball. “We want to be a part of all the basketball tournaments in the country,” said Prasad.

NeBA President Lama Tendi Sherpa said the association would provide technical support along with financial help.