The Masters Basketball Championship of 2023, generously sponsored by Gaja Sports, unfolded over the weekend of February 4th and 5th at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. A remarkable total of 62 teams, consisting of 49 men’s teams and 13 women’s teams, converged to compete for honors in this prestigious tournament tailored for veteran players. The event continued its riveting action on February 10th, 11th, and 12th.
Gaja Sports, sponsoring this tournament for the second consecutive time, lent its support to Masters Basketball Sri Lanka, facilitating the expansion of the event. The number of participating teams had notably doubled since 2021, a testament to the success and growing popularity of the Masters Basketball Championship.
Catering to various age groups, including 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, and 55+ for men, and 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, and 50+ for women, the tournament provided a platform for seasoned players to showcase their skills and camaraderie on the court.
The tournament structure followed a round-robin format, with teams drawn into groups to determine the eventual qualifiers. In the men’s division, the 30+ category boasted the highest participation with 18 teams, divided into four groups, where the top two from each group advanced to the quarter-finals. Other age categories, including 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, and 55+, witnessed intense competition, with the top teams progressing to subsequent stages. Similarly, the women’s division featured competitive matchups, with the top two teams from each age group advancing to the finals.
The pinnacle of the Masters Basketball Championship unfolded in a series of exhilarating finals, highlighting the talent and determination of players across various age brackets. Here’s a glimpse into the intense battles and well-deserved victories that unfolded:
Men’s Division:
– Over 30: Bulls triumphed over Colombo BC in a closely contested match, securing victory with a final score of 18-14.
– Over 35: Rockland claimed the championship title with a commanding win over Harlem, ending with a scoreline of 26-16.
– Over 40: The Police team showcased their prowess with an impressive victory over Bahrain/India, emerging triumphant with a score of 32-18.
– Over 45: Bahrain/India exhibited dominance, defeating Colombo Nets decisively with a final score of 33-22.
– Over 50: Khelo Masters from India demonstrated their skill, securing victory over Moratuwa with a convincing score of 38-25.
– Over 55: Police BC emerged victorious in a thrilling finale against Old Bens, clinching victory with a narrow margin of 17-16.
– Over 60: Ambalangoda BC emerged triumphant after a hard-fought battle against Old Bens, securing the title with a final score of 24-19.
Women’s Division:
– Over 30: NBC dominated the court against Contenders, securing a comprehensive win with a final score of 30-13.
– Over 35: NBC emerged victorious in a closely contested match against Shepherdians with a final score of 25-24.
– Over 40: Police claimed the championship title with a hard-fought victory over Penguins, emerging triumphant with a score of 19-13.
– Over 45: Victories showcased their prowess, securing a convincing win over NBC with a final score of 25-15.
– Over 50: Mayans emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Angels, clinching victory with a close scoreline of 12-10.
These finals encapsulated the essence of competitive spirit and camaraderie, highlighting the dedication and passion of the participants in the Masters Basketball Championship. As the curtains fall on another remarkable edition, the memories of these exhilarating matches will undoubtedly inspire future generations of basketball enthusiasts.
