Powerhouse teams such as DBO Fatorda, DBO Panjim, Sonics, NCS Vasco, Lourdes Basketball Club, and Sharada Mandir are all set to headline the State Junior (U18) Basketball Championships 2025, promising an exciting showdown of emerging talent. The championship, organised by Panjim Basketeers Club in aegis with the Goa Basketball Association (GBA) and the Sports Authority of Goa, will be held from July 28 to 30, 2025, at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim, Salcete.
The tournament is open to players born on or after January 1, 2007, and will serve as the official selection for Goa’s Junior Boys and Girls teams heading to represent the state at the 75th Junior National Basketball Championship, scheduled in Ludhiana, Punjab from September 2 to 9, 2025. With the likes of Sonics, DBO Fatorda, and Sharada Mandir competing for the Girls’ title, and a fierce contest expected in the Boys’ section, the event is expected to showcase some of the best youth talent from Goa.
Commenting on the championships, GBA Secretary Parind Nachinolkar said, “Our goal is to expand the reach of basketball and make it one of the most popular sports in Goa. We are working to introduce the game in many more schools by next year and plan to extend our development programs to areas like Ponda, Bicholim, and few more where there is lot of potential.” GBA President Shane Dias added, “Along with talent development, we are also focussed on improving infrastructure with support from both the Government and private partners. GBA is currently developing a four-year vision plan which will be implemented in phases to ensure sustainable growth of basketball in the state.”
