Until a few years ago, Delhi was as much lagging behind as any other state, with fewer schools and colleges introducing this sport in their curriculum. Even the facilities were poor and sponsorship was hard to come by. But the scene had changed so suddenly that several of Delhi schools have started conducting inter-school events with motonous regularity. Nike, one of the leaders in sports goods, tapped the potential schools and offered sponsorship in their own humble way. And now at least half a dozen Delhi schools have made it an annual affair and organise touranments with added enthusiasm.

Among the colleges, St. Stephen's has been doing an excellent job. Its unrelenting effort over the years has paid dividends. The college started the annual tournament on a shoe-string budget and, at times, could not sustain it owing to fund shortage. But the organisers, some of whom are its alumni, saw to it that the annual event went on without interruption.

Now the proud moment has arrived. And the college will be conducting the silver jubilee edition which begins at the college courts tomorrow. Their women's team, led by their best basketballer Nishita Choudhary, is in line to retain the title which they have been winning for innumerable occasions. Though the men's team, who finished runners-up to Hindu College in the last edition, has not been up to the mark, it would want to regain glory as the hosts.

Shri Ram College of Commerce, once a force to reckon with, have over a period not performed to their potential. Zakir Husain College has also been doing well of late and along with SRCC would want to upstage both holders Hindu and runners-up St. Stephens.

But Raj Kumar Clement, sports in charge of St Stephen's, was optimistic of his teams doing well. ``We have been practising for the big event quite regularly and results will be known when you come there.'' Similarly, Hindu team, too, had been preparing itself for the show. This being a prestigeous tournament among colleges, Hindu would not want to let the opportunity go.

Nike, who began sponsoring school events in a small way last year, have taken up this college show as well. Though they began modestly last year, Nike have come up with a special package -- approximately Rs. 2 lakh -- for this silver jubilee event, which includes Rs. 1 lakh as the prize money. They will also be providing full kits to the hosts teams.

In the opening match of the tournament, whill be played on league-cum-knockout basis, St. Stephen's College women will take on Indra Prastha College while in the men's section the hosts will take on Zakir Husain in the morning session, followed by two matches in the afternoon session.

Doordarshan, on its part, will telecast some of the matches live, including the semi-finals and finals, on its Sports Channel. The finals are slated for September 2.