Navigation
Deshi Ballers, pioneers in promoting women’s basketball in Bangladesh, marked an exhilarating milestone as they celebrated their 5th year in action at the "5 Year Legacy Hoopfest Powered by IUB" held on September 29 and 30, 2023. The event, hosted at the renovated Sports Complex of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) in Bashundhara Residential Area in Dhaka, showcased an adrenaline-fueled basketball weekend that captivated enthusiasts and spectators alike.
Participants engaged in 3x3 Basketball competitions, adhering to official FIBA rules. With squad limits of 4 for Under 18 and 18+ categories, and 5 for Co-ed, the tournament featured various categories including Junior Hoopfest (U18 Girls and Boys), Senior Hoopfest (All Age Girls and Boys), and Unity Hoopfest (Co-ed). Registration opened on September 17, 2023, granting access to exclusive merchandise, limited-edition jersey sets, fantastic awards across various categories, lunch, refreshments for two days, and participation certificates.
In the U18 Girls category, Growing Up Club clinched the title and Nakshami Culanag Selvarajah from Growing Up Club received the MVP award. Aeros became champions in U18 Boys and Arafath Shopnil became the MVP from Aeros; Airheads won in All Age Girls and Manar Tanvir from the champion team became the MVP; Josephites triumphed in All Age Boys with Mithun Kumar Biswas receiving the MVP award; and team Crystal won in Co-ed where Ashreen Mridha secured the MVP award. There was a shooting contest as well where Amreen Munir (U18 Girls: Team Honeybees), Mohammad Fahimul Ifty Chowdhury (U18 Boys: Team CBA), Ashreen Mridha (All Age Girls: Team Crystal) & Mithun Kumar Biswas (All Age Boys: Team Josephites) won the title.
There was a special category of awards to recognize and encourage two outstanding young athletes who displayed exceptional performance and immense potential. Rising Star Awards went to Lilia Hassan (Team DTians) and Pritom Shil Supta (Team Flame Boys).
IUB Vice Chancellor Tanweer Hasan, PhD; Jahanara Alam, Captain of the Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team; and Mushfiq Hassan, Student Adviser and Outreach Coordinator, US Embassy Dhaka attended the final day of the event and gave away the awards.
“Quality of student life is a priority at IUB. Sports and physical well-being are essential aspects of that. Witnessing the enthusiastic turnout of so many young people for this tournament brings me immense joy and excitement. I extend my commendations to Deshi Ballers for orchestrating this event, with a special emphasis on encouraging participation from girls and women in the sport. IUB remains dedicated to supporting future tournaments of this kind, fostering and motivating young athletes,” said the Vice Chancellor.
“I am very happy to see the turnout and enthusiasm of women athletes in Basketball. Deshi Ballers deserve a genuine pat on the back for giving this platform to the girls to get engaged in this sport,” said Jahanara.
“It’s a matter of immense pride and happiness for us to have reached this remarkable milestone of 5 years with Deshi Ballers, marked by numerous incredible achievements along the journey. Seeing our players play their hearts out and enjoy the game makes all our hard work worthwhile. A heartfelt thanks to IUB for their unwavering support and genuine commitment to nurturing basketball within our community.”, said Gulnahar Mahbub Monika, Co-founder of Deshi Ballers.
“A tournament's true success shines when players refuse to leave even after the event is over. Our Hoopfest was a testament to this spirit. With 51% of the participating athletes being women, we're not just representing, we're highlighting. Female referees officiating the U18 girls' games and the support of a female cricketer remind us that women need to uplift women. Together, we're forging a future where women get equal opportunities in sports. We’re thankful for IUB’s support in this journey," said Ashreen Mridha, Co-founder of Deshi Ballers.
Over 200 players, including school, college and university students from all across the country, divided into 41 teams took part in the 2-day tournament, more than half of whom were female. The tournament also featured several international basketball players, including the current and former captains of the Bangladesh national men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Furthermore, the gallery was packed with enthusiastic audience participants, with great support from family and friends. Grameen Danone, the nutrition partner of the tournament, gave free Shokti Doi to all the players. Recharge was the beverage partner who gave free electrolyte drinks to all players.
Deshi Ballers1
Independent University, Bangladesh
