62nd National Basketball Championship for Men & Women will be in Chennai from December 16-24, 2011

The 62nd National Basketball Championship for Men & Women will be organised by the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) in association with the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association (TNBA) from December 16th-24th at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai (Tamil Nadu).

The 'Senior Nationals' are the biggest event in the domestic basketball calender in India: India's top teams and players will be participating in this event in both the Men's and Women's sections, showcasing the finest talent of hoops in the country.

Chennai last hosted the 23rd FIBA Asia Championship for Women in 2009. One of the most basketball-loving cities in the country, Chennai will feature strong host teams and local-based stars.

All participating member units are requested to confirm the participation of their Men/Women team(s) to the Chairman, Technical Commission latest by 15th November, 2011.

The last National Championship was held in New Delhi, and was won once again by Indian Railways in both the Men's and Women's divisions.

Danapal Veerasamy Ponniah successfully qualifies to become India’s 3rd FIBA Commissioner

Danapal Veerasamy Ponniah, who has been a national referee in India since 1986 and an influential force in Tamil Nadu basketball, has successfully qualified as an International Commissioner for FIBA on May 10th, 2011 after a FIBA-Asia Clinic for Commissioners Candidates in Erbil (Iraq) from May 3-5. Ponniah is only the third International FIBA Commissioner from India.

“This is a lifetime dream come true for me,” said Ponniah, “Now, I have to be ready to be called upon for any FIBA event. I am honoured and I will do my best.”

There are 37 FIBA commissioners from Asia. Ponniah joins Naresh Chander Aneja and Norman Swaroop Isaaac as the only three from India.

“My name was recommended for candidacy after my work as a national referee and as a referee, commissioner, and coach for the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association (TNBA),” Ponniah added, “A test was held to test the chosen candidates who have all been associated with international FIBA activity.”

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is an association of national organizations which governs international competition in basketball.