by Dorothy Fernandes for BIS Mumbai

The Vasai Kala Kreeda, an annual sports and cultural event in Vasai, organized by the Vasai Sports Association (VSA), concluded with impressive performances from local athletes. The event, aimed at promoting sportsmanship and local talent, featured basketball tournaments among other competitions, with participation from teams across the Vasai-Virar region.

On Sunday, December 29, 2024, the Under-17 Basketball Championship saw Don Bosco High School Naigaon (E) emerge victorious in the 5×5 category. The team, led by standout player Krish Sinha, triumphed in a thrilling 7-5 victory over Vasai Hoopsters Basketball Academy. This win marked Don Bosco School’s first-ever Under-17 5×5 Team Championship title. 

Coach Mr. Abraham Thomas stated, “Krish, recognized for his athleticism and leadership skills on the court, played a key role in leading his team to victory.” The victorious Don Bosco team included Krish Sinha, Stephen Fernandes, Pratam Rajput, Joshua Okoh, Stephen Fernandes, Brajvansh Singh, Ayush Mishra, and Amit Raula.

Earlier in the season, Don Bosco’s Under-17 team also secured third place in the 3×3 Kala Kreeda Basketball Tournament held at the PDBA ground in Madhuban, Vasai East. In the 3×3 competition, Don Bosco dominated Little Flower School with a resounding 20-3 victory, showcasing their skill and strong teamwork.

In the Under-14 Girls’ basketball finals, Don Bosco’s Team A and Team B faced off, with Team A emerging as the champions, winning 12-1. The victorious Team A, composed of Krutuja Suryavanshi, Pranjal Valantara, Rachel Okoh, Desire Uka, Merit Amadi, and twin sisters Surabhi and Sonakshi Sinha, displayed exceptional teamwork and dominance on the court. Team A also triumphed in the 3×3 Basketball Tournament, defeating Carmelite Convent School 7-5. The members of Team A for the 3×3 competition included Pranjal Valantara, Rachel Okoh, Desire Uka, and Krutuja Suryavanshi.

Meanwhile, Team B, featuring several Under-12 players, competed in both the 3×3 and 5×5 formats as part of their development for future tournaments. Team B included Kinjal Kopkar, Ananya Gupta, Rhoshin Dias, Ishita Yadav, Rucha Mhatre, Tabitha Adidravidan, Shyana Lasrado, and Elina Morreiro.

In the Under-14 Boys' category, Don Bosco’s team fought hard but finished as runners-up in both the 5×5 and 3×3 tournaments. After close encounters, they were mentally and physically exhausted. In the 5×5 final, they narrowly lost to Vasai Hoopsters Basketball Academy with a score of 6-7. In the 3×3 competition, they were defeated 5-7 by Isaac Newton School. The Under-14 Boys' 5×5 team consisted of Om Singh, Shourya Singh, Muktesh Singh, Aditya Singh, Ranveer Singh, Sumit Raula, Ahad Shaikh, and Tanishq Sankpal, while the 3×3 team included Om Singh, Muktesh Singh, Mayank Suryavanshi, Ahad Shaikh, and Shourya Singh.

Fr Joaquim Fernandes, the Sports Director at Don Bosco High School Naigaon, has consistently provided valuable encouragement and support to the teams, playing a key role in their development and success.

Overall, the Vasai Kala Kreeda 2024 provided a fantastic platform for local athletes to shine and demonstrated the strength and potential of young basketball players in the region.