By Regi Paul
Chicago: The Indo-American Christian Children of Chicago and North America (ICCCNA) successfully conducted its 28th Annual Youth Basketball Championship Tournament on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Olympia Chicago Park District facility in Chicago, Illinois.
Rev. Dr. John Reynolds of Michigan and Mrs. Prasoona Bandi of Bethel Church of Chicago led the opening prayer and blessed the players, wishing them a safe and injury-free tournament.
The championship attracted talented young basketball players from Chicago and communities across Illinois. After a series of competitive games, four teams advanced to the championship round: the “Rim Reapers,” “See Red,” “Legends” and “The Christopher.”
In the championship game, “The Christopher” defeated “The Legends” 56-50 to claim the 2026 ICCCNA Youth Basketball Championship title.
Dr. Regi Paul, founder and president of the ICCCNA Youth Basketball Tournament, presented the championship trophy to Nithin Nathan, captain of the winning team. Several former basketball players also joined the celebration and presented medals to individual members of the championship team.
The “Rim Reapers” roster included Nithin Nathan (captain), Rahul Ray, Ashay Mehta, Shailesh Vhasure, Bryan Ninan, Bipin Medasani, Luke Daniel, Josh Boodala and Bennett Peterson.
The “See Red” team included Nathan Maddela (captain), Aaron Sarikonda, Cecil Maddela, Miguel Foster, Adith Prabhakar, Justin Manns, Abel Bhonsley, David Arroyo and Max Hernandez.
The “Legends” team included Japheth Bandi (captain), Athyun Nagelli, Noel Kadamandla, Benjamin Lukose, Jeremy Gosu, Jared Bandi, Jaden Bandi, Nathan Paturi and Sean Kedangan.
The championship-winning “Team Christopher” consisted of Derek Christopher (captain), Arun Rajeishbabu, Anthony Plmoottil, Steven George, Justin George, Danny Joseph, Jesvin Elavumkal, Roshan Samuel and Grant Eric.
Throughout the tournament, the players displayed impressive basketball skills, fierce competitive spirit and outstanding sportsmanship. Spectators were treated to sharp ball control, accurate shooting, spectacular three-pointers, strong rebounds and disciplined offensive and defensive play. All four teams demonstrated excellent preparation, tactical awareness and strong teamwork.
The tournament also included a deeply emotional tribute to the late Michael Underwood Jr., an ICCCNA basketball player who was recently killed in a tragic car accident at the age of 36. Players and spectators stood for a minute of silence in his loving memory.
A special ICCCNA Memorial Trophy was presented to his six-year-old son, Malachi, and his wife, Jenica Underwood. The trophy carried the touching message: “We Remember You Forever — A Championship at Heart from Teammates.”
Derek Christopher was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the championship for his outstanding all-around performance, including scoring, three-pointers, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots. Mr. Sunny Nagelli presented the MVP award to Christopher.
Nagelli also presented a special “Lifetime Community Service Award” to Dr. Regi Paul in recognition of his 28 years of dedication to youth basketball and the Indian-American community. The award was presented on behalf of the players and community.
Dr. Paul thanked the players for their continued dedication and commitment to the tournament. He noted that, despite numerous challenges and the absence of major sponsorship, players have remained united, motivated and committed to keeping the tournament alive for 28 consecutive years. He said the tournament has played an important role in promoting basketball, friendship and community involvement among Indian-American youth.
Dr. Paul emphasized that the tournament was created not only to encourage physical fitness among children and young people but also to promote friendship, sportsmanship, unity, harmony and mutual respect among Indian youth across the United States. Over the years, the ICCCNA basketball program has also supported community-awareness initiatives, including “Don’t Drink and Drive,” “Don’t Text and Drive,” autism awareness and cancer awareness.
The championship had the atmosphere of a family festival, with children, parents, grandparents and community members enjoying basketball, music, food and fellowship throughout the day.
Pastor Sam Stanes Stephen Raj of Brooke Road United Methodist Church in Rockford, Illinois, delivered a message of faith, hope and encouragement to the players based on the theme of 1 Corinthians 12:12.
Angela Bhonsley was elevated to Executive Junior Coordinator of the Indo-American Basketball Organization in recognition of her significant contribution to the championship tournament. Jason Bandi, Nathan Maddela and Japheth Bandi provided outstanding pioneering leadership and management throughout the tournament.
Anna Paturi and Brian Sherry served as chief scorekeepers. Mrs. Prasoona Bandi, deacon of Bethel Church, thanked the players, families, volunteers and community members for their participation and support before offering the closing prayer.
The 28th ICCCNA Youth Basketball Championship once again demonstrated how sports can bring generations together, strengthen community bonds and inspire young people through teamwork, discipline and friendship.
