Army and GoldenGate Win Openers in National Basketball League

Kathmandu: Departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club and GoldenGate International Club have made a winning start in the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNBL) 2026.

In the opening match of the league, which started Tuesday at the Dasharath Stadium covered hall in Tripureshwor under the organization of the Nepal Basketball Association (NeBA), Army defeated KVC Hounds 107–79.

Army maintained a lead throughout the game, scoring 29–17 in the first quarter, 24–22 in the second, 28–21 in the third, and 23–19 in the fourth. Nischal Maharjan of Army scored the highest with 27 points and was declared the Most Valuable Player of the match.

Army, which did not participate in the first edition, secured a victory in its opening match this time. For the second edition, Army played in the qualifying tournament and qualified for the HJNBL by winning that title.

Similarly, in the second match held on Tuesday, GoldenGate International Club made a winning start by defeating the defending champions, Times International Club, 92–75. In the final of the first edition, Times had defeated GoldenGate to win the title.

Times started well with an 18–25 lead in the first quarter. However, GoldenGate took control by winning the second quarter 25–19 and the third quarter 30–10, establishing a 73–54 lead. Although Times won the fourth quarter 21–19, it was not enough to secure a victory.

Nikesh Magar of GoldenGate scored the highest with 37 points and was declared the Most Valuable Player of the match. Ram Charitra Mehta, Member-Secretary of the National Sports Council, inaugurated the Himalayan Java National Basketball League during a ceremony.