New Delhi

More than 127 teams from across the country have applied to compete in the second edition of the Harish Sharma 3-on-3 All India Basketball Championship (Men & Women), scheduled to be held on December 27–28 at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex here, according to a press release.

Out of the applicants, 87 teams — comprising 63 men’s and 24 women’s teams — will be selected for the championship. Arjuna Awardees and a Padma Shri awardee player are expected to grace the event, said Roopam Harish Sharma, Chairperson of the Organising Committee.

Teams from states, universities, clubs and institutions have registered for the tournament. During the press conference, the championship mascot “Titu Hoops” and the official theme song were unveiled. Named after late Harish Sharma’s nickname “Titu,” the elephant mascot symbolises wisdom, strength and teamwork.

The winning teams in both men’s and women’s categories will receive Rs 1 lakh each, while the runners-up and third-placed teams will be awarded Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000 respectively.

Sudhanshu Mittal, Co-Chairperson of the Organising Committee, said the 3-on-3 format represents the future of basketball due to its speed, intensity and entertainment value. Mukesh Kalia of the Delhi Basketball Association (DBA) said the championship would serve as a prelude to the Senior National 3-on-3 Basketball Championship scheduled for January 2026.

Former Union Minister Vijay Goel, who attended the event as Guest of Honour, said basketball is growing rapidly in India and expressed hope that the championship would elevate the sport further.

READ MORE: India has made Christmas carols its own over time

The tournament will be played simultaneously on three courts and is being organised by the Prithvi Nath Club (PNC) under the aegis of the Basketball Federation of India, with endorsement from FIBA 3x3.