AIU East Zone Inter University Basketball kicks off at University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM)

Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The AIU East Zone Inter University Basketball Tournament, which is being organized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi and hosted by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), has been inaugurated at the sports complex of USTM today by Lakhya Konwar, Vice President of Athletics Federation of India and General Secretary of Assam Olympic Association along with Raj Kakoti, Vice President of Assam Olympic Association.

Commonwealth gold medalist Nayanmoni Saikia, Arjuna Awardee and captain of Indian basketball team Vishesh Bhriguvanshi, Mohit Bhandari, coach of Indian basketball team, were also present in the opening ceremony along with other dignitaries.

Addressing all the participants during the inaugural ceremony, Lakhya Konwar said that the government is promoting sports and Khelo India Programme was introduced by the Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for this purpose. He urged all the players coming from different states of India to inculcate the spirit of sportsmanship and give their best to the sport.

"I am happy that USTM under the leadership of its dynamic Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque has come out to host this mega sporting event in the North East for the first time", he added.

This 11-day long tournament has begun with the women's basketball competitions in which 36 teams are participating. The men's events will start from November 22. A total of 51 teams are going to participate in the men's competitions. The top 4 teams from both events will participate in Khelo India University Games.

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