Basketball Celebration begins: 2013 Carlton Cup kick starts this weekend

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The official commencement of the ‘Carlton Cup 2013’ was declared at the Lakshman Kadhiragamar Center by the heads of the organizing committee and the sponsors on the 22nd of August 2013.

Speaking to the press, secretary of the chief organizers, Hambanthota Sports Clubs, announced the tournament will start on the 24th of August 2013. “We -HSC Blues Basketball Club, the Basketball wing of the Hambantota Sports Club- will collaborate with ‘Tharunyata Hetak’ to host the tournament for the fifth consecutive time this year”.

The Carlton Cup is a popularly celebrated event in the Sri Lankan sporting calendar. Over the years, the tournament has provided the youth of the country a new platform to display their talents. It remains the best opportunity for amateurs as well as professionals in the game to master basketball. 

The inaugural Carlton Cup was held in 2009. The organization has celebrated four years of succession annual Carlton Cup Basketball Championships. Bharathi Airtel is powering the game as the platinum sponsor in this year’s tournament. “We are really happy to support a game which is shares a lot of enthusiasm. That’s why we have particularly included a special award to be voted over SMS: the most popular player of the tournament” Airtel sharing its message with the media.

Next, Red Bull as the Energy Drink Partner and Rovican International (Pvt) Ltd as the Refreshing Partner officially handed over the cheques symbolizing their endorsement of the event.  The head table also recognized Carlton Sports Network as the Official Television Partner, Singha FM and RED FM, as the Official Radio Partners and Thepapare.com as the Web Partner of the Carlton Cup 2013.

It was among warm applause the official trophies were handed over to the organizing committee by Airtel signifying their support to the tournament.  Two major divisions, A and B, will battle out for these awards.  13 “A” Division teams and 26 “B” Division teams have geared up for the tournament. According to the draw held on the 12th of August 2013, the ‘Division I’ segment of the tournament will be played in two pools while the ‘Division II’ segment will be played in four pools in the preliminary round.

“It is more than a game. It is entertainment; celebration of a subculture.” All in all, the Carton cup 2013 is in great shape; as a lively display of sportsmanship, a unique experience to basketball enthusiasts and a spectacular entertainment segment