Aiming for gold: Punjab cagers reach Pondicherry for tourney

Ludhiana: Punjab’s men’s and women’s basketball teams have arrived in Pondicherry to compete in the 76th Junior National Basketball Championship, scheduled to take place from May 22 to May 29, 2026. Both squads are eyeing the championship titles after undergoing rigorous state selection and three months of intensive training.

Teja Dhaliwal, general secretary of the Punjab Basketball Association (PBA), confirmed that the players reached the venue on Wednesday. He expressed high expectations for the tournament, noting that the selection trials and practice camps were meticulously executed to ensure peak performance.

Men’s team coach Jaipal Singh expressed immense confidence in his squad, emphasising that the tournament will require a collective effort. While acknowledging that the final outcomes depend on match-day execution, he stated that the ultimate goal for both categories is to clinch the national trophy.

The men’s squad is led by Shaurya Sachdeva. The team roster includes Jobandeep Singh, Suhaan, Jivitesh, Danish, Sukhnaib Singh, Manjot Singh, Rakshit, Yodhveer Singh, Lovepreet Singh, Divjot Singh, and Romanjot Singh. The team is coached by Jaipal Singh and Jaspreet Singh, with Narinderpal serving as the team manager.

The women’s team is spearheaded by captain Bhumika. The playing lineup comprises Vinay, Vanshika, Bhavreet Kaur, Priya, Saina, Sukhman Kaur, Gurnoor Kaur, Pawanpreet Kaur, Tishmeet Kaur, Deepika, and Tanvir Kaur. The women’s squad is trained by coaches Bhavkhandan Singh and Ravinder Gill, with Charanjit Kaur managing the side.