Punjab Steelers emerge champs

Our Sports Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 25

Punjab Steelers comprising international players proved their mettle by winning the FIBA 3x3 National Basketball Championship held from August 22 to 24 at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.

Punjab Steelers with Amritpal Singh, Amjyot Singh, Arshpreet Singh Bhullar and Rajvir Singh stamped its superiority and wrapped up the title in the FIBA Asia Pro Quest 3x3 India Qualifiers-2019.

Now, they will be vying for top honours in the upcoming FIBA 3x3 Asia Basketball Championship.

The 3x3 basketball is a form of the game played three a side on one basketball hoop. This version of the sport was included into the Youth Olympic Games in 2010 and would be played in the Olympics also from this year.

At Bengaluru, in the quarterfinals, Punjab Steelers made mince meat of their opponents Bengal Tigers, whom they trounced 21-6 to storm into the last-four stage.

In the semi-final, they faced Cochin Customs and survived a scare before romping home triumphant with a narrow margin 21-19.

In the summit clash, Punjab Steelers overpowered Bengaluru Bulls 21-13 to lay their hands on winners’ trophy and qualified for the FIBA Asia Championship.

The title victory by Punjab Steelers was hailed here by the Punjab Basketball Association (PBA). Rajdeep Singh Gill, president of the association and former DGP, Punjab, appreciated Punjab boys’ outstanding achievement and wished them success in the Asian championship.

Yurinder Singh Hayer, senior vice-president, PBA, besides other office-bearers including Teja Singh Dhaliwal, Mukhwinder Singh, JP Singh, Vijay Chopra and Balkar Singh Brar also congratulated the winners and their coach Gurkirpal Singh Dhillon.