Belait District welcomes first major basketball tourney

The Aewon Basketball Cup 2021 returned following a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 outbreak with the first two games during its opening event at the New Village Mutual Aid Basketball Court in Seria on Sunday. 'We are eager to be back on this basketball court tonight to witness the start of one of the largest basketball tournaments in the Belait District,' Belait District Basketball Association (BDBA) Chairman Koo Kong Loi said. The tournament, organised by BDBA with the support from Aewon Brunei and Hui Huang Enterprise, saw Aewon Brunei Managing Director Lau Chai Seng and Aewon Sherwood Protective Apparel (B) Sdn Bhd General Manager Justin Hong Ping Khiong tossing the basketball to officiate the start of the tournament. Hui Huang Enterprise Manager Katherine Hii was also present. Lau expressed his appreciation for the government's efforts in ensuring sporting activities can be held again. Aewon Brunei has been supporting the tournament for the fourth year to help develop basketball in the country. 'We hope to highlight the importance of good physical and mental health while attracting more young people to have a greater interest in basketball,' he said. Katherine Hii echoed a similar sentiment adding that good sportsmanship must be adopted by all players, coaches and referees. Sixteen teams, split into four groups, are competing in the tournament this year.
Indah Damai Restaurant, Gravity, Gurkhas and Hokage Hawks are in Group A; while Group B has Wolves Basketball, Panaga Primates, Musang NSD and Yao Ding.
Homestage Realty, RYS, CBA and Unity SE are competing in Group C; while JCWE, Concepts Xtrike Me, YVLicious and Soon Lee Heavy Machinery are assigned to Group D. The first match of the night saw Unity SE defeating CBA 40-57. The night's second match saw Concepts Xtrike Me securing their first win in Group D after defeating Soon Lee Heavy Machinery 79-59. All teams will continue competing for slots in the quarter-finals on August 10.
Courtesy of: borneobulletin.com.bn