Maharashtra’s U-14 Girls Shine Bright, Finish Runners-Up at CISCE National Basketball Championship

Mumbai, October 1: Maharashtra’s young basketball stars have once again shown their talent on the national stage. The state’s Under-14 girls’ basketball team delivered a spirited performance at the CISCE National Basketball Tournament 2025, finishing as runners-up after an intense final against host team Uttar Pradesh. The tournament, held from September 27 to 29 at the Sayeed Modi Railway Stadium in Gorakhpur, saw participation from school teams across the country, with Maharashtra’s players standing out for their discipline, teamwork, and grit.

Spirited Run to the Finals

The Maharashtra U-14 squad displayed remarkable determination throughout the championship. With each game, the team grew in confidence, defeating strong opponents from other states to secure their place in the final. Though they fell short against Uttar Pradesh in the title clash, their fighting spirit won admiration from spectators, coaches, and fellow competitors alike.

The runners-up finish is being hailed as a big achievement for the state’s grassroots sports ecosystem, highlighting the growing interest and investment in school-level basketball.

Rising Star: Sharvari Nemane

Among the standout players was Sharvari Nemane, a 13-year-old student from Vibgyor High School, Airoli. Sharvari, daughter of Dr. Sachin Nemane, works tirelessly under the guidance of coach Sunil Joshi and has been training in basketball for four years. Despite her young age, she has already bagged several awards at inter-school and regional tournaments.

Speaking about her journey, Dr. Nemane shared that Sharvari’s decision to pursue basketball was entirely her own. “She and her friends picked up the sport at school and have been training with dedication ever since. All her growth has come through the opportunities provided within her school system, without the need for external coaching,” he said proudly.

Sharvari’s inclusion in the state team and her strong performance at the nationals have made her a role model in Navi Mumbai, inspiring several other young athletes to pursue the sport seriously.

U-17 Girls Crowned Champions

The CISCE Nationals featured competitions in multiple age categories, and Maharashtra had reasons to celebrate beyond the U-14 success. The Maharashtra U-17 girls’ team scripted history by winning the championship title, making the state proud with their gold-medal finish. Meanwhile, the U-19 team also put up a commendable fight, ending their campaign as runners-up.

Together, the collective performances of the state’s basketball teams showcased the depth of talent emerging from Maharashtra’s schools.

Coaches and Officials Laud the Effort

Team coach Sunil Joshi praised the discipline and teamwork of the players, noting that their commitment both on and off the court was exemplary. “These girls have put in hours of practice and have shown immense dedication. Their performance at the nationals reflects the growing culture of basketball in Maharashtra,” he said.

Tournament officials, too, appreciated the enthusiasm of the Maharashtra contingent, calling their sportsmanship a benchmark for others.

Inspiration for Future Players

For Navi Mumbai, the tournament has special significance as it shines a spotlight on young Sharvari’s achievements. Her story is a reminder that talent, when nurtured in the right environment, can flourish even at an early age. Many local sports enthusiasts believe her journey will motivate more children to take up basketball, a sport that is steadily gaining popularity across the city and state.

The tournament itself, hosted by Stepping Stones Inter College, was a celebration of school-level sporting excellence, bringing together teams from different states to compete and bond over a shared love for basketball.

Looking Ahead

While Maharashtra’s U-14 team narrowly missed out on the gold, their silver-medal finish is being viewed as a stepping stone for greater successes ahead. With structured training, experienced coaching, and continued school support, the players are expected to grow into future stars who can represent the state — and perhaps even the nation — at higher levels.

As Maharashtra celebrates its U-17 team’s championship victory and its U-14 and U-19 teams’ runner-up finishes, the message is clear: the future of basketball in the state is bright, and its journey has only just begun.