Champions of Maharashtra – Hi 5 Athletes dominates the U-21 League

The 76th Maharashtra State Inter-District Basketball Championship was held at Minatai Thackrey Stadium in Nashik from March 31st to April 4th, 2026. It is a premier professional franchise-based league in the state. 

Organized by the Nashik District Basketball Association under the Maharashtra State Basketball Association, the event was a showcase of skill and sportsmanship.

Managed by the Maharashtra State Basketball Association (MSBA) in partnership with ABC Fitness, the league follows an IPL-style format designed to showcase  top talent across various age groups.

The league serves as a developed platform, often holding selection trials across major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur to identify U-21 talent. Players were selected through a live auction where franchise owners bid on shortlisted athletes. 

From being part of our Hope Thru Hoops basketball excellence program to getting picked in the U-21 Maharashtra Basketball League auction to making their mark across the league. We are incredibly proud that Hi 5 Athletes were a part of the winning team – Pune Tuskers. 

This victory isn’t just about the trophy, it’s about showing our entire Hi 5 community that with dedication, discipline and hours of practice to reach perfection of their game and with right support, our athletes can reach at top.

Our Star Players from Pune Tuskers team that completely took over the U-21 Championship:

Pune Tuskers was led by our Hi 5 Senior Coach Dattaraj Bramhnekar whose strategic leadership and years of expertise led his team to victory. His ability to lead these young athletes and bring out their best performance under pressure show the high standard of coaching that defines our foundation.

League’s MVP – Prabhat Mishra

Prabhat Mishra was named as the Most Valuable player of the entire Maharashtra Basketball league. It is an honor that recognizes Prabhat’s hard work, skills and leadership on the court. He has shown what Hi 5 athletes are truly capable of.

He was one of the few students who was selected in the Corvuss American Academy, an opportunity provided by Hi 5 in partnership with Corvuss American Academy to advance the athletic and academic careers of its students, offering professional training in basketball for underprivileged student-athletes. 

Our achievements didn’t stop here as 6 other players from our Hope Thru Hoops program were also selected through auction for various teams. This proves that our program is developing state level talent and changing young lives through play.

Hi 5 Athletes selected for Maharashtra Basketball League:

The presence of these athletes in the team Pune Tuskers, Beed Baazigars and Mumbai Storms shows the quality of training and facilities to excel provided by Hi 5 Youth Foundation.

By providing high quality Coaching, professional equipment, proper training and quality education through pathways to success Hi 5 has bridged the gap between grassroot players to professional players. 

This achievement shows that our mission to change young lives through sports is creating a pathway to success for young athletes transitioning from local courts to a professional game.