Players and officials of the Nagaland State Basketball Team at the 75th Senior National Basketball Championship in Chennai, where the team reached the knockout stage for the first time. (Photo Courtesy: NBA)
Dimapur, January 8 (MExN): The Nagaland State Basketball Team has created history at the ongoing 75th Senior National Basketball Championship in Chennai by qualifying for the knockout stage, progressing from Level 2 to Level 1 of the competition.
Calling it a landmark achievement, the Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) said the feat reflects the team’s resilience, growth, and determination. The championship is being held from January 4 to 11.
Placed alongside Assam, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Sikkim in Level 2 Group G, Nagaland opened its campaign with a 41–50 loss to Assam.
However, the team bounced back strongly to register an emphatic 60–23 win over Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the second match, with Cuwe Mero delivering a standout performance, scoring 22 points.
Nagaland carried the momentum into the third match, defeating Sikkim 55–27, with Mero once again leading the scoring chart with 14 points.
In the crucial first knockout qualifying game on January 7, Nagaland outplayed Meghalaya 53–39. Mero topped the scoreboard with 17 points, while Nukshizulu chipped in with nine points to support the offensive effort.
Nagaland’s impressive run, however, came to an end in the second knockout qualifying match on January 8, where the team went down 39–89 to West Bengal. Mero scored eight points in the match, while Benhilo added six.
Reflecting on the campaign, the NBA noted that Mero emerged as the backbone of Nagaland’s offence, providing consistent scoring and on-court leadership throughout the championship.
NBA Honorary Secretary Sentiningsang Longkumer also described Nagaland’s qualification for the knockout stage as a historic achievement, highlighting the resilience and determination shown by the players.
“This success proves that with proper support, our athletes can shine on the national stage,” he said, urging the government to invest more in sports infrastructure, training, and opportunities to sustain and build on this momentum across disciplines.
