June 21, London – The Greenford Knights emerged victorious in the fifth edition of the ‘A-Star Nepal Basketball League 2026,’ one of the largest sports competitions organized by the Nepalese community living abroad. The final match, held on Saturday at Brunel University Sports Centre in London, saw Greenford Knights defeat Sandhurst Knicks to claim the title. The winning team was presented with the trophy by Min Darlami, Managing Director of the league’s main sponsors, A-Star Mortgages UK and A-Star Real Estates UK. Additionally, former Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow Bishnu Bahadur Gurung, Jumakaji Gurung, President of Tamu Dhi UK, and Bimala Sene, Chairperson of the Nepal Journalists Federation UK branch, distributed awards to both the winners and runners-up. Nepal Foods and Anugrah Jewellers contributed gift hampers for the players.
As part of the competition, an engaging veterans’ game took place between Slammers and Brigade Boys Club (BBC), showcasing thrilling competition. On the women’s side, Women Ballers Club secured the title by defeating London Hotshots. National captain of the Nepali Women’s Basketball Team, Anusha Mall, attended as a special guest and presented awards to the winners. Praising the high standard of play, Captain Mall stated, “It is immensely gratifying to see such a grand basketball event being held among Nepalis living abroad. I urge everyone to take the time to continue supporting these games and follow their passion.”
The finalists were determined on June 21 at Springwest Academy in Feltham, where the semi-finals thrilled fans. In the first semi-final, Sandhurst Knicks edged past Hampshire Hoopers with a competitive scoreline of 82–77. In the second semi-final, Greenford Knights dominated Ballers Slammers with a wide margin of 109–77 to secure their spot in the final. League coordinator Sarthak Gurung described the final match held on Saturday as highly exciting and of exceptional quality. Furthermore, Nepal Basketball UK President Rupak Gurung expressed gratitude to all players, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators who helped elevate the competition to this level. Min Darlami, Managing Director of A-Star Mortgages and Real Estates, emphasized that such sporting events encourage young people to engage in constructive activities and contribute to their personal development.
The 2026 league, organized by Nepal Basketball League UK in collaboration with Women Ballers Club, featured 11 men’s teams and 2 women’s teams competing. Since its inception on March 15, the competition has played a vital role in bringing together Nepalese youth from across the UK on a single platform, fostering greater enthusiasm for the sport and strengthening communal harmony, according to the organizers.
