Shillong, July, 17: The Touchline Basketball Academy Under-18 Girls Team is all set to represent Meghalaya and India at the International Youth Basketball Championship (IYBC) 2026 to be held in Thailand from July 24 to 28. The team will depart for Thailand on July 20 to participate in one of Asia’s premier youth basketball tournaments.
The international tour marks a major milestone for the academy as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing young basketball talent from Meghalaya. The championship will feature top youth teams from across the world, offering players valuable international exposure and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Touchline has been drawn into a challenging preliminary group where it will face teams from the United States of America, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia. The tournament is expected to provide the young players with exposure to different styles of basketball while testing their skills against some of the strongest youth programmes in the region and beyond.
The academy said the squad has undergone months of intensive preparation, including technical and tactical training, strength and conditioning sessions, and competitive match practice. Participation in the championship is part of the academy’s long-term vision of creating international opportunities for young athletes from Meghalaya.
The 12-member travelling squad comprises Vanessa Nongsiang (17), Phinseinylla Hooroo (17), Dynna Marbaniang (18), Mebarikordor Suting (16), Shanessa Lyngdoh (16), Phibalari Kharmaw (16), Wankmenbiang Mawlong (16), Phiwankmen Mawlong (18), Nazareen Wahlang (17), Shirley Marbaniang (15), Ariana Lyngdoh Mawphlang (16), and Ewarika Basaiamoit (15).
The team will be led by Head Coach Andrew Suting and Assistant Coach Ucilia Pyngrope, who have supervised the players’ preparations over the past several months.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Head of Academy Coach Sanjib Das said the championship would be an invaluable learning experience for the players.
“This tournament is an incredible opportunity for our young athletes to test themselves against some of the best youth teams from around the world. Playing teams from the USA, South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia will challenge us both physically and mentally, and we are excited to represent Meghalaya with pride. Every game will be a learning experience that will contribute to the long-term growth of our players,” he said.
The academy also expressed gratitude to parents, supporters, sponsors, donors, and well-wishers for their encouragement and contributions in making the team’s international campaign possible.
