Aizawl, Nov 27: The Mizoram basketball team, twice national champion in the sub-junior basketball, is optimistic of winning the third title in the 'North-East Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship' which starts here today.

Mizoram team coach Samuel Lalthlamuana claimed that the players were ''fit enough'' and confident of winning the championship title.

Five teams, each from Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam and Mizoram, among the eight NE states, will participate in the event, inaugurated by Mizoram Governor M M Lakhera.

Organising secretary Lalrinfela said the main objective of the championship was ''to promote basketball in Mizoram''.

It was funded by the Mizoram State Sports Council, North Eastern Council and donations from various sources, including the NRHM, Mizoram State Malaria Control Society, as well as other individuals, the secretary said.

Basketball had gained popularity among the Mizo youths in recent years and the state had also produced a national player - Zodinsanga (Mapuia), he said.

UNI