KATHMANDU: Nepal Basketball Association (NeBA) and White House Education Network (WHEN) today joined hands to organise the White House Cup third

Under-19 (+2) National Basketball Championships in January next year.

As per the agreement signed by NeBA President Lama Tendi Sherpa and WHEN CEO Yubaraj Sharma amidst a press meet today, the latter would sponsor the U-19 national championships organised by the NeBA for the next three years. As the title sponsors, the WHEN would provide the managerial costs to the NeBA apart from the expenses for the teams from outside the valley.

NeBA President Sherpa said the approximate sponsorship amount from the WHEN would come up to Rs 900,000 annually. The agreement ended Prime College’s stint as the main sponsors of the championships. Prime College had sponsored the previous two editions of the championships.

“We had a two-year agreement with Prime College and we are still in good terms with them despite parting ways with them,” said Sherpa. “Today there are lots of private sectors who are ready to support basketball,” he said.

According to the organisers, a total of 16 teams in boys and 12 teams in girls’ sections will take part in the championships beginning on January 16 at the National Sports Council covered hall. Sherpa informed at least six teams including three in girls section will be coming to Kathmandu to participate in the championship. The teams would be selected by the NeBA.

Of the total cash award of Rs 70,000, the winners the boys and girls champions will be awarded with Rs 25,000 each. “As per the request of the sponsors, we have allocated the cash awards of Rs 25,000 each to the winners from this year and we will decide other prizes later on,” added Sherpa.

He also informed the NeBA was planning to launch the national basketball league in February next year.

Meanwhile, the NeBA President Sherpa and Executive Director of ABC Television Subha Shankar Kandel signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the live telecast of the championship. As per the MoU, ABC Television will broadcast the semi-finals and final matches.

Principal of White House College Madhav Sharma, NeBA vice presidents Narendra Shrestha and Helga Rana Rayamajhi among others were also present on the occasion.