The 12th All India Inter School Asian Challenge Basketball Tournament 2026 commenced on a vibrant and spirited note at The Asian School, Dehradun. The dignitaries were ceremoniously led in by student escorts to the tune of the school band, setting a grand and dignified tone for the event.
The tournament was formally inaugurated by the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. Robinder Kaur, Vice Principal, The Asian School, Jammu, in the gracious presence of Mr. Gaganjyot Juneja, Director, and Mr. Anant Vijay Dutt Thapliyal, Principal, The Asian School, Dehradun. The occasion was also honoured by Mr. Mandeep Grewal, Secretary, Uttarakhand Basketball Association, and Ms. Prachi Mehrotra, Franchise Head, The Asian School, along with Mr. Mukesh Nangia, Head of Senior School; Mr. Sachin Agarwal, Head of Middle School; Ms. Anu Mehrotra, Headmistress; Mr. Sanjay Rana, Head of Department (Sports); and Mr. Sandesh Sharma, Bursar.
The ceremony began with a vibrant folk dance performance, reflecting the cultural spirit and enthusiasm of the students. This was followed by the oath-taking ceremony led by the Sports Captain, reaffirming the commitment of all participants towards discipline, integrity, and true sportsmanship.
This year, the tournament has brought together reputed institutions from across the country. The participating schools include:
- Wood Stock School, Mussoorie
- Doon International School (City Campus), Dehradun
- The Doon School, Dehradun
- The Asian School (TAS-A), Dehradun
- The Asian School (TAS-B), Dehradun
- Sacred Souls School, Chandigarh
- New Public School, Chandigarh
- Mayo College, Ajmer
- Doon International School, River Side, Dehradun
- Wynberg Allen School, Mussoorie
- Shri Ram Centennial School, Dehradun
- The Lawrence School, Lovedale, Ooty
Two matches took place today as part of the opening day fixtures. In the first match, The Asian School (Team B), Dehradun, played against New Public School, Chandigarh, where New Public School secured a convincing victory with a score of 67–25.
The second match was played between The Doon School, Dehradun, and The Lawrence School, Lovedale, Ooty, in which The Doon School won with a score of 67–22. The tournament will continue over the next few days, promising exciting matches and high-spirited competition.
The opening day witnessed great enthusiasm, with students cheering wholeheartedly for their teams, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
