National basketball championship: The ball is in Uttarakhand's court

[1]

The senior national basketball championship has always been a happy hunting ground for institutional teams.

In the 61-year history of the premier event, Services have won the Todd memorial trophy — silverware awarded to the men’s winners — a record 28 times, while Indian Railways have 11 to their credit. Railways are also enjoying a monopoly in the women’s section since 1988, missing out the crown on the crown only in 2002.

The fact that the two government sides are the major employers of hoopsters remains the reason for their reign at the nationals. Only three states — Tamil Nadu, Punjab and off late Uttarakhand — have challenged the formidable Railways and Services.

While the seven-time champions Tamil Nadu’s success can be attributed to the rivalry between Indian Overseas Bank and Indian Bank, the lucrative job offers at Punjab Police and Dehradun-based Oil and Natural Gas Corporation strengthened their state sides.

As the 62nd edition of the championship begins at the Nehru Indoor Stadium here on Friday, Uttarakhand are threatening to pull Indian Railways, winners of the last three championships, down from the pedestal with their two new recruits.

Flooded with international players, Uttarakhand’s line-up has been strengthened further with the addition of latest sensation Vishesh Bhriguvanshi and star pivot Yadwinder Singh, both were poached from Railways. The duo, however, haven’t got the NOC from their previous employers to play at the nationals.

Coach Vinod Vachani believes the vast experience of Uttarakhand players will be too hot to handle for other teams.

“It’s our strength. Players such as Trideep Rai, Mohit Bhandari, Shabeer Ahmed, Murali Krishna and Desh Raj know how to bail us out when we are in trouble.Tamil Nadu and Railways could pose challenge for us, but I don’t think Services are in contention especially without their main players Jay Ram Jat and Sambhaji Kadam,” added Vachani. Uttarakhand will, however, miss the services of veteran S. Sridhar who injured his foot recently during a workout in the gym.

They might be one of the experienced sides, but the challenge for Uttarakhand will be to gel well as a unit. In team sports, the parts sometimes don’t add up to the desired effect.

A string of injuries means hosts Tamil Nadu will field an inexperienced side that features seven debutants. For the seven-time champions, who are looking to end their seven-year title drought, at home, missing out injured Hareesh Koroth is a big blow. The Indian Overseas Bank forward has been a prolific scorer and emerged topscorer in the Asian Championship in China earlier this year. With talented Talwinderjith Singh and Jagdeep Singh in thier ranks, Punjab can’t be ruled out of contention.

Indian Railways women are set continue their long lease over Baslat Jha Trophy. Geethu Anna Jose, P. Anitha and Anju Lakra are the players to watch out for in champions’ squad.