A match between Cambridge School (in blue) and Mother’s Public School (in red) at the twin-city inter school basketball tournament in Cuttack on Wednesday. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, April 23: For Nilofar Jahan, a Class IX student of St Joseph’s Girl’s High School, Cuttack, it was one of the memorable moments to have represented her institute at the inter-school basketball championship for the first time.

Not only Jahan, a lot of other girl students also got opportunity to interact with students from other schools during the championship which entered its final leg on Wednesday.

Over 150 students from various schools in the twin cities are taking part in St Xavier’s cup tournament organised for the first time in Cuttack by the Xavier’s Group of Schools.

“It was for the first time that I have taken part in the inter-school basketball championship even though I have been playing for the last two years,” said Jahan.

For a lot of students, the championship also provided much-needed break from their studies ahead of their summer vacations.

“I got an opportunity to learn the game and at the same time I am looking forward to improve my playing skills,” said Manisha Mohanty, another student.

A total of 21 teams including 16 boys and five girls team had participated in the St Xavier’s Basketball championship that was earlier inaugurated by deputy commissioner of police Sanjiv Arora on Monday.

“I am glad that the championship has a great participation and the event will certainly be helpful for the students of the twin cities,” said Prusty.

Prusty said that St Xavier’s Group of schools organises various activities through Inter Xavier Talent Competition and sports meet.

At present, the group has decided to host various sports and games in Odisha and outside.

“It is for the first time that St Xavier’s School has organised the basketball championship which will be held annually from next year to promote young talent in the game,” said joint secretary Odisha Basketball Association Ashok Sahoo.

Sahoo said that there are plans to organise a state-level inter-school basketball tournament from next year with an objective to attract more and more students.

Such talent hunt drive will certain boost the prospects for Odisha, which has already proved its mettle by performing well in many national level competitions in basketball in the past, Sahoo added.

Fifteen experienced officials have been appointed for the smooth conduct of the matches in the tournament that will conclude tomorrow.