Army and GoldenGate Clash to Crown New Champion of Himalayan Java National Basketball League
Summary: The final match of the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNB) 2026 will take place on the evening of Chaitra 28, 2082 (April 11, 2026) at 5 PM at Dashrath Rangashala, featuring Tribhuvan Army Club against GoldenGate Basketball Club. Prior to the final, a celebrity match will be held in the afternoon, with teams led by artist Sushant KC and Java enthusiasts competing, as announced by Bhim Singh Gurung, President of the Nepal Basketball Association.
Army secured the top position in the league phase by winning 13 out of 14 matches, while GoldenGate finished second with 12 wins. In their previous encounters this season, Army has defeated GoldenGate three times.
Chaitra 28, Kathmandu: Departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club will face GoldenGate Basketball Club in the final of the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNB) 2026. The championship game is scheduled for 5 PM today at Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor. Army will take the court under the captaincy of Vinod Maharjan, while GoldenGate will be led by Sudip Paudel Chhetri. Additionally, a celebrity game featuring teams of artist Sushant KC and Java enthusiasts will be held earlier in the day, according to Bhim Singh Gurung, President of Nepal Basketball Association (NEBA).
For the first time, the tournament included team selection through qualifiers, with eight teams participating in this edition. The HJNB League followed a double round-robin format, completing 56 matches in the league phase. Following three playoff matches, Army and GoldenGate emerged as finalists.
Army dominated the league phase by winning 13 of their 14 games, finishing first, with GoldenGate securing second place with 12 victories. Army earned their place in the final by defeating GoldenGate in the first qualifier. GoldenGate then secured their final spot by beating Times Basketball Club in the second qualifier.
This final will mark the fourth encounter between Army and GoldenGate in this edition. The two teams had met three times previously—twice in the league and once in the playoffs—with Army winning all three matches. Notably, in the first qualifier, Army prevailed over GoldenGate in an intense game by a score of 80-71.
Army’s sole loss in the league was against Times Basketball Club, while GoldenGate’s three league losses all came against Army. Army aims to maintain its form and clinch the championship in the final.
GoldenGate, the runner-up from last year, is eager to claim their first title this season. After defeating defending champions Times, GoldenGate enters the final with strong morale and is determined to avenge their previous defeats at Army’s hands.
The final result will determine whether Army secures the title by overcoming GoldenGate for the fourth time or if GoldenGate overcomes their rivals and lifts the trophy.
Himalayan Java National Basketball League Final Match:
Army vs. GoldenGate
Venue: Dashrath Rangashala Covered Hall, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu
Date: Chaitra 28, 2082 (April 11, 2026)
Time: 5 PM
