Inter University Basketball Tournament at Sathyabama University Photos

When 16 of the best university basketball teams in India gather together on the same court, fireworks are guaranteed. And for the past week in Chennai, fireworks were delivered. The All India Inter University Basketball Tournament for Men was held at the Sathyabama University in Chennai from January 12-19 as the conclusion of the world's largest combined basketball tournament . The national final was an 'All Chennai' affair, as hosts Sathyabama faced off against local rivals Madras University on Monday. Madras University that emerged as national university champions with an inspired 81-64 victory.

The Inaugural function of this tournament was conducted on 12th January, 2014 (Monday) at Sathyabama University Basketball Court. The chief Guest for the Inaugural function was Padmashree Ms. Anju Bobby George, the first Indian Woman who won the Bronze medal in Long Jump event of world Athletic Championship in 2003, Mr.Cedric Chebloz, NBA all star, Slam Dog Champion, Ambassador to NBA, Ms. Sunday, CEO, UBA-USA, Mr. Deepash Solanhi, CEO, UBA-India, along with Col.Dr.Jeppiaar, Chancellor,Sathyabama University, Ms. Remibai Jeppiaar, Madam Chancellor, Sathyabama University,  Dr. Marie Johnson & Dr.Mariazeena Johnson, Directors of Sathyabama University.

Mr.Abhishek Bachchan, famous Indian Actor, Owner of Chennain FC was the Chief Guest and distributed the prizes to winners in the Finals.

Four teams that finished tops in each of the North, South, East, and West Zones in India were invited to this tournament to compete for the national crown. 

The battle of the Chennai city rivals at the final on Monday was a rematch of the South Zone championships finale, where Sathyabama had defeated Madras University just ten days earlier. Satyhabama seemed on course for another victory after they got off to a blistering 15-0 start to begin the game. But Madras University turned the corner after a quick timeout to get on top and hold on to a slim four-point lead at halftime. Behind the dominant post play of Jeevanatham P. (26 points, 10 rebounds) and forward N Nagaraj (20 points, 14 rebounds), Madras took complete control of the second half and raced to a 81-64 win. Anto Bethle added 19 for the winning side. Satyhabama were led by Arun Prashanth (19) and Rakesh (17 points, 16 rebounds) in the loss. 

Earlier in the day, the bronze medal game was an offensive explosive between Jain University (Bengaluru) and Bharati Vidyapeeth University (Pune). Kapil Gaikwad, representing the Pune side, scored 48 points to lead all high scorers as Bharati had an 16-point lead earlier in the game. But Jain's 'Big Three' of Kaif Zia (36 points 14 rebounds), Yashas R. (31), and Vinoth (25) sparked an inspired second-half comeback to help their team win 123-115 in the entertaining clash. Bharati's Akshay Bhosle also scored 36 for his team in the loss. 

Bollywood actor and basketball enthusiast Abhishek Bachchan was the chief guest at the final and handed over the trophies and medals to the teams. On the occasion, he said “Basketball is growing rapidly and is going to be the biggest sport in this country. The Universal Basketball Alliance will continue to have my full support in this great initiative to promote basketball in India.”

Dr. Marie Johnson & Dr.Mariazeena Johnson, Directors of Sathyabama University welcomed and Honoured the chief guest Abhishek Bachchan during prize giving ceremoney.