Thursday, Jul 02, 2026 23:15 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Jul 01, 2026 17:46 [IST]
GANGTOK,: The
Basketball Association of Sikkim (BAS) will kick off the 2026 Sikkim Basketball
League on July 12, introducing a promotion and relegation system for men’s
teams for the first time.
Addressing
a press conference in Gangtok today, BAS chief patron Tenzing Dorjee said 23
teams, 19 men's and four women's, will compete in the tournament, which will
run for three months. Matches will be held on weekends and government holidays
at the indoor basketball court in the Paljor Stadium Complex.
BAS
said the league champions will receive cash prizes, while top performers will
earn opportunities to represent Sikkim at national-level competitions.
BAS
general secretary Jigmee Wazilingpa said the men's competition has been divided
into 'A' and 'B' divisions to create a more competitive structure. The top two
teams in the 'B' division will be promoted to the 'A' division next season,
while the bottom two teams in the 'A' division will be relegated.
The
eight teams in the inaugural 'A' division are Demi Monks, Denzong Singyes,
Ravens, Druk Squad, Pandas, Hounds, Yetis and Retro Hoopsters.
The
'B' division has been split into two pools. Pool A comprises Sikkim Boys,
Pacers, Kyi-De-Khang, Manjusree Public School, Taktse International School and
Spurs. Pool B features Tenacious, Crimson, Mambas, Sikkim Giants and Yuva
Sporting Club.
The
women's competition will feature Mavericks, Ravens, Pacers and Hawks.
Wazilingpa
said the league is intended to encourage the growth of basketball within
Sikkim, with eligibility restricted to players holding a Certificate of
Identification (COI), Residential Certificate (RC), Sikkim Subject Certificate,
Sikkim Trade Licence or Sikkim Voter ID. Students must be enrolled in schools,
colleges or universities in Sikkim, while players whose parents are employed by
the Sikkim government will also be eligible.
BAS
also announced that the Sikkim State Open Basketball Tournament will be held
from October 1 to 5. The tournament will be open to teams from within and
outside the State, with eligibility guidelines to be announced later.
