COURTS ROAR AS NSBL CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF BASKETBALL EXCELLENCE IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The National Souths Basketball League (NSBL) marked a historic milestone with its 20th Anniversary Edition, awarding a total of K140,000 in cash prizes to winning teams and standout performers throughout the 2026 season.

Recognised as the biggest off-season basketball tournament in Papua New Guinea, the NSBL continues to play a major role in developing local talent, strengthening community unity, and promoting youth empowerment through sport.

The tournament once again showcased the rapid growth of basketball across the country, drawing strong public support and featuring some of the best grassroots athletes from various regions.

Leading the prize winners were the Kemele Constructions-sponsored Mendi Menjails Women’s Team and the Usano Sura Men’s Team, who each received K35,000 after winning the 2026 NSBL Premiership titles in their respective divisions.

The Mendi Menjails Women’s Team delivered a dominant season performance to secure the women’s championship title, while the Usano Sura Men’s Team from Kutubu claimed the men’s premiership after defeating Mendi Menjails in a closely contested grand final.

The Menjails Men’s Team received K15,000 as runners-up in the men’s division, while Honi Polu secured K15,000 as runners-up in the women’s division after a strong campaign.

Third-placed teams in both divisions were also rewarded with K10,000 each in recognition of their consistent performances throughout the competition.

NSBL Patron Johnny Yawari described the 20th anniversary edition as one of the most successful in the league’s history, commending players, officials, sponsors, and supporters for their continued commitment to the sport.

He acknowledged major sponsors including the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK), along with minor sponsors WB Transports Systems and Rocksfield Engineering Construction Limited for their ongoing support toward basketball development and youth empowerment.

“Basketball continues to positively impact the lives of many young people across our communities by promoting discipline, teamwork, unity, and healthy lifestyles,” Yawari said.

He added that NSBL has grown beyond a sporting competition into a national platform that creates opportunities for young athletes while strengthening social ties and community pride across Papua New Guinea.

The 20th Anniversary Edition further cemented NSBL’s reputation as a key pathway for grassroots basketball development and one of the most important sporting events on the PNG basketball calendar.

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Source: National Souths Basketball League via Facebook