Manipur off to winning starts in 51st Sub-Junior Boys and Girls' National Basketball Championship
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 27 2026: Manipur boys and girls got off to flying starts as the 51st Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship kicked off today at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.

Manipur put on a spectacular offensive clinic to defeat Bihar 80-42 in their opening Pool F encounter for boys.

The State lads showcased an exceptional display of balanced team basketball, overwhelming the Bihar defense by distributing the scoring duties seamlessly across the roster.

Chongtham Chitan spearheaded the attack with a magnificent game-high 21 points, punishing Bihar in the paint.

Chitan was brilliantly supported by Shriyans, who chipped in 15 points including a crucial three-pointer, and RK Mangalsana, who added 11 points with another clinical triple from beyond the arc.

Manipur's relentless depth proved too much to handle as both Billgates Thiyam and Achom Phoenix hit double digits, contributing 10 points each to the team's massive tally.

Keeping the scoreboard ticking and maintaining the pressure, Shijagurumayum Bronson and Pangakpa Chingakham added 4 points apiece, while Nongthombam Chitravash and Tomthin Thongam rounded off the scoring with 3 points and 2 points respectively.

In contrast, Bihar's resistance remained largely a solo effort.

A Kumar fought valiantly to match Manipur's top score with 21 points of his own, but he lacked sustained support from the rest of the lineup.

Shubham Kumar managed to reach double figures with 10 points, followed by Satyam Kumar with 7 points and Ritwik Mayank with 4 points, but their isolated efforts were ultimately swallowed up by Manipur's comprehensive and high-octane team play.

Later in the girls' opening match (Pool F), Manipur edged Jharkhand 39-31 after a slow start to the game.

Manipur trailed 10-15 to Jharkhand till halfway mark but fought back valiantly and led by 24-22 points by third period before coming out 39-31 winners.

Monali Phurailatpam shone with a 14-point finish including a crucial trey in Manipur's win as Leiphrakpam Lingjelthoibi made another key contribution of 9 points including a triple.

Chingakham Lamjingbi and Hoshika Mayengbam also added 7 points apiece as Ngangam Chingulembi added two.

The State boys will play hosts Andhra Pradesh in the next match tomorrow while the girls will take on Bihar.

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