It’s a ball game | Maiidan

UDIPT SINGH KHHETRI

Men's basketball has been around a long time but women's participation in competitive basketball has increased by leaps and bounds. This was evident at the Samsung National Championship this year.

From a time when basketball tournaments were limited to men's game, today we have tournaments like Gyan Carnival, Father Watrin's Cup and Samsung National Championship (which include women's game). But how much has the women's game developed?

In schools today, we see girls competing equally alongside boys during training sessions, running laps, boxing out for rebounds, pushing and shoving—the whole nine yards. The number of participating teams may not compare to that of the men but each year new schools and clubs bring fresh talent. Schools in the Valley have begun training girls from junior classes to compete in junior tournaments; only recently Rato Bangala held a tournament for age levels 10-13, soon followed by another tournament hosted by Gyanodaya. So, if we were to pit a men's team against a women's team, how do you think the women would fare?

Player Chat

With Ashma Basnyat of Rato Bangala team that won the Samsung National Championship for two consecutive years.

What made you choose basketball over other sports?
I didn't choose the sport as much as it chose me. I play volleyball, football and badminton too. It's just that basketball seemed to be the game everyone paid attention to. Girls didn't take a liking to football or volleyball, we all played basketball and you could say I went with the flow.

How did it feel to win Samsung Championship for the second year running?
We worked hard this year to win the tournament. It felt great. I've been a part of Rato Bangala for six years; we've had some difficult games and have narrowly missed out on winning tournaments like the Gyan Carnival on a number of occasions. This year and the last, at the Samsung National Championship, the teams were very competitive; and we were challenged more this year. The value of the title increases when you know you worked hard.

How has the girls' basketball game developed in Nepal?
The attention that the sport receives has increased the confidence of the players and trainers. There are tournaments taking place almost every month. By competing with players from other teams, we gain experience, practice and confidence. This year we had a team from Pokhara play in the Samsung Championship which showed that the girls' basketball is expanding beyond the Valley. In my school, kids from Grade Four and up receive consistent training. They even have tournaments to play in. These kids will be far more skilled players when they reach college.

What could help improve the girls' sport?
I don't think there is enough public support, which could encourage potential players. Although this year, the Samsung tournament was broadcast on TV, the stadium was roughly half-full. When the men's game started, the place was packed (and for good reason…did you see the match?) If the stadium had been full for the women's match, the atmosphere would have been more exciting.

Basketball for charity

Rato Bangala School Students also organised a weeklong inter-collegiate basketball tournament with five colleges participating: White House College, RIBS, Kathmandu Valley School, Gyanodaya and Rato Bangala. White House College defeated RIBS in the finals. Sponsored by Reebok, Simrik Air and New Human Fit Tailors, a total of Rs 30,000 was collected and a sum set aside for charity.