Shillong, Jul 17: The Touchline Basketball Academy today announced the departure of its U-18 girls’ team to Thailand to compete in the International Youth Basketball Championship (IYBC) 2026, one of Asia’s premier youth basketball tournaments.
The 12-member team will travel from 20th July with the championship taking place from 24th to 28th July.
As the academy celebrates its 10th anniversary, this international tour marks a milestone in its commitment to developing young basketball talent from Meghalaya.
The tournament will bring together leading youth teams from across the world, providing the players with invaluable international exposure and an opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Touchline has been drawn into a highly competitive pool, where the team will face opponents from the USA, South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia during the preliminary round. The tournament promises to expose the players to different styles of basketball while allowing them to compete against some of the strongest youth programmes in the region and beyond.
The squad has undergone months of structured preparation, including technical training, tactical development, strength and conditioning and competitive match play, a press release from the academy stated. Participation in the championship forms part of the academy’s long-term vision of creating international opportunities for young athletes from Meghalaya.
The players range in age from 15 up to 18 and they will be coached by Andrew Suting and Ucilia Pyngrope, who have overseen the team’s preparations over the past several months.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Head of Academy Coach Sanjib Das said: “This tournament is an incredible opportunity for our young athletes to test themselves against some of the best youth teams from around the world. Playing teams from the USA, South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia will challenge us both physically and mentally and we are excited to represent Meghalaya with pride. Every game will be a learning experience that will contribute to the long-term growth of our players.”
Touchline Basketball Academy extends its heartfelt gratitude to the parents, supporters, sponsors, donors and well-wishers whose encouragement and contributions have made this international campaign possible.
Touchline squad:
Vanessa Nongsiang, Phinseinylla Hooroo, Dynna Marbaniang, Mebarikordor Suting, Shanessa Lyngdoh, Phibalari Kharmaw, Wankmenbiang Mawlong, Nazareen Wahlang, Phiwankmen Mawlong, Shirley Marbaniang, Ariana Lyngdoh Mawphlang, Ewarika Basaiawmoit
Head coach: Andrew Suting
Assistant coach: Ucilia Pyngrope
(Photo contributed)