A crescendo of cheers and the rhythm of basketballs marked the culmination of the 6th Annual International Women’s Day Basketball Tournament, a jubilant celebration of women’s athleticism, camaraderie, and empowerment by Deshi Ballers. The court at Sunbeams School, Uttara, witnessed 32 teams, comprising 136 players, where women took center stage, embodying the theme of diversity and inclusion.

U19 GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP
In a riveting showcase of skill and determination in the U19 girls segment, Dhaka Heats with Tatianna Desiree Juarez, Adiba Afrin Rahman, Areesha Ghazi Islam and Maia Jubilee Thomas emerged as the champions, with Tatianna earning the coveted title of Most Valuable Player(MVP). The Huskies with Sidratul Rahman, Sidratul Muntaha Shoshi, Raiqa Samara Siddiky and Chowdhury Fazilatun Nessa fought valiantly, securing the runner-up position, and Samara’s stellar defense earned her the Best Defense award. The rising star in this category was Sidratul from Huskies, demonstrating the promising future of basketball.

U23 BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP
In a heart-stopping finale that left spectators on the edge of their seats, Rivertown Hoopers with Nowkha Noel Tripura, Abu Harish Shihab, Rifat and Emon emerged victorious in the U23 Boys category. The game reached its climax with an electrifying buzzer-beater in the last second,sealing Rivertown Hoopers’ championship win against team Aces, consisting of Darren Gomes, Sadman Islam, Arnab Das and Torongo Gomes. Noel’s exceptional skills, coupled with this dramatic game-winning shot, undoubtedly contributed to his MVP title. Arnab showcased unwavering defense for Aces, earning the Best Defense award. Shihab, a rising star from Rivertown Hoopers, added to the team’s triumph, promising an exciting future for the champions.

ALL AGE GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP
In a showcase of sheer skill and team coordination, team Mangoes, with Tazrin Titir Joyita, Tazreen Khan and Radiah Fairuz Ahona and Nabila Sultana Nowshin, clinched the championship title in the All Age Girls category against Powerpuff Girls consisting of Faiza Ibrahim, Armina Hoq, Mahira Khan and Samreen Fariha Islam. Radiah’s outstanding contributions earned her the MVP title, and Samreen’s exceptional defensive prowess secured her the Best Defense award for Powerpuff Girls.

COED CHAMPIONSHIP
The Coed category, a unique and exciting dimension of our tournament, transcends traditional gender boundaries in sports. With a distinctive format comprising three girls and two boys ineach team, this segment fosters an inclusive and collaborative spirit. It’s a celebration ofmixed-gender teamwork, challenging stereotypes, and proving that the court is a space where both girls and boys can shine together. The ultimate victory in this category went to Goon Squad with Ashreen Mridha, Maswiyat Iftekhar, Gulnahar Mahbub Monika, Ibrahim Mohammad and Arif Hossain Bappy, showcasing the strength that comes from a diverse and unified team. Team Red Demons with Nabila Sultana, Tazrin Titir Joyita, Radiah Fairuz, Samin Samad and Josh Aaron finished as runner up. The MVP title was claimed by Bappy, and Samin’s stellar defensive skills earned him the Best Defense award.

SHOOTING CONTEST
In the heart-pounding 3-Point Contest, Nahid Wahed emerged as a sharpshooter extraordinaire, sinking an impressive 7 threes in one minute. Meanwhile, in the Free-Throw Contest, Samreen Fariha Islam showcased her precision and nerves of steel, knocking down an impressive 10 free throws in one minute.

Beyond the scores, the tournament was a beacon for aspiring female players. Of the 136 players, 85 were women (63%), and 40 of them were under the age of 19, symbolizing Deshi Ballers’ dedication to nurturing youth basketball.

The tournament’s resonance extended beyond Dhaka, drawing players from Chandpur, Kishoreganj, Chittagong, and Rajshahi. A special shout out to the courageous girls from Chandpur (Sumaiya Akter Sharmin, Farhana Akter, Eite Akter and Saniya Akter Rupa) and Kishoreganj (Habiba Akter Bristy, Sumi Akter, Fardiya Akter Ratry and Tarin Akter Khushi) who embarked on a remarkable journey to participate in the tournament, sponsored by BRAC. Their indomitable spirit shone bright as they advanced to the semi-finals, showcasing not just their basketball skills but also the resilience and determination that define the essence of sports.This initiative, backed by BRAC, underscores Deshi Ballers commitment to providing opportunities for aspiring players from various regions, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment through the medium of sports.

Ashreen Mridha, Co-Founder of Deshi Ballers said, “Every girl on our court today is a testament to the potential that often goes unnoticed. Bringing girls from outside Dhaka to compete isn’t just about adding another team to our list; it’s about providing opportunities to those who may not have the voice or platform. But we need more support to continue growing. Sponsoring niche sports like basketball shouldn’t be a rarity; it should be a norm because more than cricket and football this is where the money is needed. National sports institutions, private organizations that spend behind brands and the media need to step up. It’s time to change not just the game but the mindset that perpetuates inequalities.”

Gulnahar Mahbub Monika, Co-Founder of Deshi Ballers said “Year after year, our tournament keeps getting better, and it’s such a thrill to see! With each edition, we step up our game, and welcoming new players into our community adds an extra spark. Seeing those beaming faces reminds me why we do what we do—it’s all worth it!

”Dour, the official jersey sponsor for the event, played a pivotal role in elevating the tournament’s style quotient. Every player donned cool and comfortable jerseys provided by Dour. The vibrant colors and sleek design not only added flair to the court but also symbolized a sense of unity among. Dour’s commitment to combining style with functionality ensured that our players not only looked good but also felt confident on the court.

The event’s Beverage Partner, Bruvana ensured players stayed energized and hydrated throughout the tournament. The court sizzled with action, and Bruvana’s electrolyte drinks provided that essential boost, keeping players at their competitive best.

Deshi Ballers extends heartfelt gratitude to Nutrition Partner Grameen Danone, Strategic Partner Prestige Magazine, and Venue Partner Sunbeams School, for contributing to the success of this inspiring event.

In the heartbeat of Bangladesh’s basketball fervor stands Deshi Ballers, not just as a community but as a catalyst for transformative change. Welcoming players, fans, and dreamers alike, Deshi Ballers has been scripting a saga of resilience, teamwork, and pure love for the game. As the orchestrators of the 6th edition of their iconic Women’s Day Basketball Tournament, Deshi Ballers once again painted the courts with colors of inclusivity, fierce competition, and a commitment to breaking barriers. The tournament wasn’t just about hoops; it was about the relentless pursuit of dreams, the celebration of shared victories, and the embodiment of a community that elevates every bounce of the ball into a triumph.

Deshi Ballers is a pioneering female-led basketball community in Bangladesh, dedicated to promoting the sport, fostering talent, and inspiring a culture of inclusion in sports. Since its inception in 2018, Deshi Ballers has been a driving force in the basketball scene, organizing basketball training dedicated for girls, tournaments, coaching programs, and community initiatives to grow women’s basketball.