Kochi: Assumption College and Sree Kerala Varma College emerged victorious in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively, as the Rajagiri Basketball League (RBL) 2025 concluded with an electrifying final. Hosted by Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), the three-day national-level tournament witnessed top teams from Kerala, Bengaluru, and Chennai competing for the coveted title.

Aleena Antony from SH College, Chalakudy, was named Best Player in the women’s category, and Abhinav CK from Sree Kerala Varma College received the Best Player award in the men’s category.

Since its inception in 2017, RBL has evolved into a premier basketball tournament, and this year’s edition, held from February 10 to 13, continued the tradition of showcasing exceptional talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

The tournament kicked off with an energetic inaugural ceremony, attended by Rev. Dr. Shinto Joseph CMI, Assistant Director of RCSS, and Rev. Dr. Saju M.D CMI, Principal of Rajagiri College, who officially launched the event by basketting the ball. The audience, comprising students, faculty, and basketball enthusiasts from across the country, was treated to inspiring speeches about the league’s journey from the Fr. Moses Memorial Ever-Rolling Trophy Tournament to a leading platform for emerging basketball talent.

The first match saw Krishnammal College, Tamil Nadu, face off against SH College, Chalakudy, setting the stage for an action-packed tournament. The league-cum-knockout format kept the competition intense, with eight men’s teams and four women’s teams battling it out in closely contested matches.

The semi-finals on the second day featured nail-biting encounters, with teams from Kerala, Bengaluru, and Chennai vying for a spot in the grand finale. On the final day, Assumption College dominated the women’s division to secure the championship, while Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur, claimed victory in the men’s category after a thrilling contest.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Rev. Fr. Benny Nalkkara CMI, Provincial of Sacred Heart Province and Manager of Rajagiri Institutions, and Mr. Shihab Neerungal, Senior Vice President of the Kerala State Basketball Association. They commended the players for their outstanding performances and emphasized the role of sports in fostering unity and resilience.