HDBA to launch youth basketball league at YMCA Secunderabad from July 20

The Hyderabad District Basketball Association (HDBA) will conduct the Sub-Junior (Under-13) and Youth (Under-16) League 2026 for boys and girls starting July 20 at the YMCA in Secunderabad. The tournament aims to provide a structured competitive platform for young basketball players in the region.

Prior to the selection of the final teams, a coaching camp was organized by the association. Around 350 youth players participated in this camp, from which the final players were chosen to form the competing squads.

A total of 18 teams were selected to participate across four different competition categories. The Youth boys division features six teams, while the Youth girls, Sub-Junior boys, and Sub-Junior girls divisions each feature four teams.

In a nod to local heritage, the teams have been named after historical places in the Hyderabad district. The team names for the league include the Charminar Chargers, Golconda Gladiators, Birla Blazers, Secunderabad Stallions, Keesara Kings, and Tank Bund Titans.

The league matches will be played on a league-cum-knockout basis. To ensure that all participants gain valuable match experience, the HDBA has introduced modified playing rules. Under these special rules, every player on the roster is required to get playing time during the first and second quarters. During the third and fourth quarters, coaches are given the flexibility to field their best players. Officials stated that this rule modification ensures all players get an opportunity to showcase their skills.

Additionally, special kits have been designed specifically for the league. A kit distribution ceremony was held prior to the tournament, where Ravula Sridhar Reddy, the president of the Telangana Basketball Association, distributed the kits to all the selected teams.