Five decades of Kerala basketball veterans come together for REBOUND 2016 in Kochi

More than 200 veteran basketball players from five decades of basketball in the state came together for a massive mix of hoops and nostalgia last weekend in Kochi. The city's Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium hosted REBOUND 2016, the first-of-its-kind veteran basketball event, in Kochi on July 2-3. REBOUND 2016 featured basketball matches, visits by legendary players of the state, three-point and free-throw competitions, and a special dinner event for the guests.

2016 is also the 125th "birthday of basketball" after the game was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891. This REBOUND platform marked the beginning of a deliberate action plan to help the sport progress in the state and country.

Attendants and participants at REBOUND 2016 included Unwin J Antony, Mohammed Iqbal, CV Sunny, Sunny Thomas, VV Harilal, TK Sheshadri, Leelamma Thomas, Jeena PS, Giji Biju, Ancy Mathew, Molly Mathew, Sheebama, Renny Harilal, Emily Mathew, Indulekha, and also coaches like Bevin Chacko, Prem Kumar, PC Anthony, and Dimal C Mathew. Arguably the most popular person in attendance on day 1 was hon. High Court Justice AM Shafeeque, former basketball player, was also in attendance.

On Sunday, July 3, SFS Tigers anchored by former international Unwin J Antony took the Men's title, defeating Eastern Bulldogs in an exciting final 31-29. In the Women's section, the Dynamos led by Jenna PS and Leelamma beat the Choice Mermaids 25-11 to win the title.

REBOUND also congratulated Sebastian Padipurakkal Joseph and CV Sunny for being named coaches of India's national team at SABA Qualifiers in Bengaluru.