When there is a will there is a way. The members of Mizoram boy’s team for the 68th National Basketball Championships being organised by the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association at JN Stadium, Chennai from January 17 to January 24, 2018, reportedly arranged self funding to fly to the venue and also pay for their accommodation during their stay there.
As per a report of The New Indian Express, many of the members of the Mizoram team are still studying. Though they have no any regular source of income they have all efforts to invest for the event as participation in the championship might change their future.
According to the finance secretary of the Mizoram Basketball Association (MBBA), Zomuanpuia, the certificates, they would receive for participating in the national level event, are likely to help the student basketball players, who are representing Mizoram. He also informed that some of the Mizoram boys are dreaming of being coaches and the certificates would definitely help the boys to undergo coaching courses under the National Institute of Sports (NIS).
On the other hand, regarding the less height of the players compared to the other teams, the coach of the team, H Lalhruaitluanga reportedly said that they turn the disadvantage into an advance and they are no least worried about it.
It may be mentioned that in the field of sports arena, Mizoram drew attention of all sports lovers and enthusiasts when Aizawl FC lifted I-League in 2017. Though football is known as the favourite game in Mizoram, basketball is also becoming a game of interest for many.
The coach, Lalhruaitluanga, also reportedly informed that it was Mizoram Basketball Association (MBBA) which approached them if they could represent Mizoram and then the thought of joining the Chennai event with the boys came, which would be a challenge for them.