U13 India Basketball: Uttar Pradesh Boys and Tamil Nadu Girls Crowned Champs
One of the biggest stories from this year’s Sub Junior Nationals came from Jharkhand boys, who reached the finals for the first time, climbing all the way from lower Level 2.
Dehradun, October 12, 2025: The 50th Sub Junior National Basketball Championship concluded in Dehradun last Friday with a spectacular showcase of India’s emerging basketball talent.
The week-long tournament, held from October 4 to 10, was organized by the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Basketball Association.
A Thrilling Finale
The championship brought together 28 boys’ teams and 26 girls’ teams from across the country.
In the boys’ final, Uttar Pradesh pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent memory. Trailing for three quarters against a spirited Jharkhand side, the UP boys rallied late to snatch victory by just two points, 60-58.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu girls displayed complete dominance, thrashing Maharashtra 82–32 to lift the championship trophy in style. Their disciplined defense and smooth offensive play proved why Tamil Nadu continues to be a powerhouse in Indian basketball.
Final Standings
Boys:
Uttar Pradesh – Champions
Jharkhand – Runners-up
Maharashtra – 2nd Runners-up
Girls:
Tamil Nadu – Champions
Maharashtra – Runners-up
Kerala – 2nd Runners-up
In the relegation and knockout rounds, Tamil Nadu and Kerala were relegated to Level 2 in the boys’ category, while Haryana and Andhra Pradesh faced the same fate in the girls’ division.
In the boys’ category, Jharkhand and Mizoram earned their promotion to Level 1 after finishing among the top 10 teams. A special shoutout goes to the Mizoram boys, who stunned the mighty Punjab 59-49 in the 9-10 Classification Game.
In the girls’ category, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh also made their mark, securing promotions to Level 1 after steady campaigns that showcased their growing efforts in youth basketball.
Jharkhand’s Breakthrough Moment
One of the biggest stories from this year’s Sub Junior Nationals came from Jharkhand, which reached the final of the tournament for the first time.
For a predominantly tribal state known for its raw athleticism, this silver medal marks a historic milestone.
Jharkhand’s emergence at the Sub Junior level is a promising sign that their grassroots basketball programs are beginning to unearth and nurture young talent early. If supported with consistent development and exposure, this generation could reshape the State’s sporting identity on the national map.
Individual Awards
As the 50th Sub Junior Nationals came to a close, the celebration wasn’t just about team trophies; it was also about individual progress. Here were the championships’ standout players:
Most Valuable Player (Boys): Sahil Kumar – Uttar Pradesh
Most Valuable Player (Girls): Reona R – Tamil Nadu
Highest 3-Point Shooter (Boys): Ritesh Murmu – Jharkhand
Highest 3-Point Shooter (Girls): Tanrika Chakraborty – Maharashtra
From new states breaking through to familiar champions defending their dominance, the championship reflected how far Indian basketball has come in five decades.
The performances in Dehradun reaffirmed that the future of Indian basketball is driven by passionate young athletes and growing grassroots initiatives across the country.
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