The courts were full of hustle as our U17 athletes stepped up to show months of hard work and leadership in the Intra Hi 5 League. This is where teamwork meets high-level talent, creating a thrilling atmosphere as players fight for a spot on the national level.
The Intra Hi 5 League is an internal tournament featuring over 120 teams and 900 children across U12, U14, U17, and open categories. It is designed to ensure every child gets the opportunity to play; the league offers valuable exposure and game-time experience, especially for those who may not participate in external tournaments.
While the games are competitive, the true value of the league lies in the exposure it provides. Hi 5 offers an escape from the limitations often placed on underprivileged youth, who might otherwise be forced into the workforce before their time, allowing them to pursue their passions through sports.
By visiting unfamiliar states and competing in new settings, our students see possibilities they never knew existed. Engaging with teammates from various cultural backgrounds teaches them empathy and resilience, ensuring they develop into well-rounded individuals rather than just skilled athletes.
The league culminates in Intra Hi 5 Nationals, where teams from 8 states compete in a full-day, high-energy tournament celebrating growth, competition, and unity.
In a society where underprivileged children feel invisible, this tournament engraves pride in children while representing their region in this National Level Intra Hi 5 League.
What began in 2017 as an internal tournament has grown into a structured, multi-state league spanning 8 states, 120+ teams, and hundreds of young players across age groups.
The league also creates job opportunities and training for children above 18 as coaches, referees, and interns. This gives them steady income, professional work experience, and new skills to help them build their careers.
This circle of life begins on the court, where children learn the basics of the game, and continues as they mature into leadership roles within the Foundation. By serving as coaches and referees, they pass down the values of teamwork and perseverance to the next generation of players.
Intra Hi 5 League provides a platform for children across 35 centers from 8 states to build life-changing skills like discipline and teamwork through high-level competition. This year marks the 8th season of the Intra Hi 5 League. The competition begins at the regional level, where local teams within a specific district or area compete against one another. Regional-level winners qualify to compete in the Nationals.
Between October and November, 49 teams and 490 children from 7 states competed in our regional rounds. Following intense qualifiers in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Telangana, 12 teams from 5 states earned their place in the Season 8 Finals. The National Championship was held on December 21, 2026, in Sphoorti Model School, Telangana, bringing together the top teams to compete for the title.
Our U17 Intra Hi 5 tournament was honored by the presence of several guests, including Sai Manickam along with his wife Vasanthi and his son Sai Charon at a few of our Hi 5 centers in Mumbai.
We also welcomed our well-wishers Sundar Rajan, Babu Gopaladhine, Girish Subramaniam, and the Deccan Dunkers team members, Raj Karpe, Padma Karpe, Sudhakar, and Sree Devi.
Mr. Suresh Chandra Seervi, Principal of the Gandhari Center, and Mr. G. Subhash Chandra Bose, President of the Basketball Association of Krishna District, showed their support by visiting the event.
Winners
Girls Category
Runners-up
Motilal Nagar Hindi BMC School, Maharashtra
Champions
Vile Parle East MPS, Maharashtra
2 Runners-up
Parivaar Sarada Teertha, West Bengal
Boys Category
Runners-up
Krushi Home, Telangana
Champions
Parivaar Education Society, West Bengal
2 Runners-up
G Eklavya Model Residential School, Maharashtra
The Intra Hi 5 is so much more than just a basketball league. Players travel to new states and play in different environments to give our children a chance to see world.
By playing with teammates from different cultures, our students learn from each other, experience new things, and build friendships that last a lifetime. It’s an experience that opens them as a people, not just as a player.
