FROM TIP-OFF TO FINAL BUZZER
- myra sports
- Dec 29, 2024
- 10 min read
The Tale of Every Team in Myra Sports GOATs Winter Corporate Basketball Tournament - 2024
-: by
Radha Krishna Chitikela &
Manideep Vanga :-
team #8
Intouch CX-1 is a fresh team on the scene, full of potential and determination. They don’t have the flashiest stars, but what they do have is something far more valuable: heart, hustle, and a bond that runs deeper than a half-court heave. Even when things didn’t go their way, you never heard a bad word between them. No complaints, no pointing fingers—just pure team spirit.
They were always the first team ready and kitted up, showing their discipline and readiness. In fact, Intouch CX-1 is the only company with two teams, a testament to their passion for the game and their belief in encouraging everyone to step up, regardless of where they stand. Putting out their second team was a bold move, one that speaks to their ethos of giving all employees a chance to express themselves and grow, without judgment.
It’s true, the road wasn’t easy. They found themselves facing two of the top three teams—TCS and Infosys— in their group stages, but even in the toughest moments, Intouch CX-1 never gave up. Their defense held strong, and there were flashes of smooth passing, especially from #4 Vasanth and #1 Avinash, who showed glimpses of what they’re capable of.
At Myra, we’re all about giving teams a stage to express themselves, to play their hearts out, and to grow—together. We’ve seen the potential in Intouch CX-1, and we’re excited to watch them develop as a team. The journey has just begun, and with that kind of spirit, the future looks bright.
Team #7
Intouch CX-2 brought a whole new level of coherence and energy compared to their first team. This squad from Intouch CX was clearly more in sync, thanks to a group of experienced players who knew how to make things click. This is a testament to Intouch CX not being short of basketball talent, with a team that communicated well, embraced their roles, and played with impressive teamwork—making them a lot of fun to watch.
At the heart of their effort was Bharat, the undeniable star of the show. He scored 83 out of the team’s 97 points—85% of the total tally—showing just how central he was to their offense. Bharat’s performance wasn’t just about scoring, though. He was a force on both ends of the floor, grabbing rebounds, pushing the ball in transition, and hitting shots from everywhere. His performance in the final group game against Enviri, where he scored 42 of the team’s 44 points and earned MVP honors, was the crowning moment of his tournament. It was a performance that showcased his skill, leadership, and determination, a true highlight in a corporate tournament.
However, Bharat’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the unselfish play of his teammates. The team played with heart, always looking to support their star. Special credit goes to #38, Sri Kumar, whose play-making was key in setting Bharat up for his big moments. The rest of the squad played their roles to perfection—setting screens, defending relentlessly, and always putting the team’s success first. Their coordination and willingness to play as one was a true testament to their team spirit and dedication.
Looking ahead, a more balanced offensive approach would ease the pressure on Bharat, but this team has shown they can rise to the occasion. With their heart and hustle, Intouch CX-2 is a team on the rise, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll do next. Keep it up Intouch CX-2 and good luck next season!
Team #6
Wells Fargo’s team play was a shining example of composure and calm on the court. From the outset, they displayed clean basketball with good passing, smart moves, and exceptional communication. Their style reflected a well-coordinated unit, playing with energy and selflessness, always looking for the right play.
In their opening game against TCS, there were plenty of positives—great energy and effort. However, one thing they lacked was a true playmaker to drive the offense. Despite their hustle, some of their moves lacked the cohesive force needed to keep the team together.
Enter #12 Lakshmikanth. In Game 2, the senior point guard stepped in and completely transformed the team. His experience was immediately apparent as he took charge on both ends of the floor. Lakshmikanth became the floor general, organizing the offense with precision and directing the defense with vocal leadership. His presence injected more intensity and purpose into their game, and Wells Fargo came so close to upsetting Infosys—one of the tournament’s top teams and defending champions. On another day, they might have advanced to the playoffs.
Another standout feature for Wells Fargo was their inclusion of the only female player in the tournament. This was a testament to their commitment to skill and inclusivity, showing they prioritize talent above all else.
Looking ahead, Wells Fargo could benefit from more time playing together and additional practice sessions. With increased cohesion and continued leadership, they’re certainly on track to make an even bigger impact next year. We’re excited to see how they build on this strong foundation and wish them the best of luck in the future!
team #5
One of the newest teams at Myra, Arcesium didn’t look like a newcomer at all. They played with the poise and organization of a seasoned squad. Despite being a fresh entry, their team chemistry was evident, and they were competitive in every game. With a well-rounded effort, led by their captain and key players, #9 Naveen and #10 Harsha, Arcesium proved they were a force to be reckoned with, finishing as the best team outside the playoffs.
Arcesium’s tournament run had its share of near-misses, most notably a narrow 5-point loss to HSBC and a 14-point defeat to Enviri. In their game against Enviri, they had a tough start, trailing 15-1 at the end of Q1. But their resilience was on full display as they fought back, closing the gap with a 9-0 run in Q4, led by the offensive brilliance of Naveen. Though they couldn’t complete the comeback, they showed they could hang with some of the best teams in the competition.
Their most heartbreaking moment came in their final game against HSBC. Arcesium led 44-42 going into Q4, but they were unable to close it out, losing by a slim margin. Had they been more mindful of their lead and controlled the tempo in the final quarter, the outcome might have been different. These small moments are what separated them from a playoff spot, and they’ll undoubtedly learn from them.
Arcesium’s success in the future hinges on more coordination, especially in supporting their standout players, Naveen and Harsha. With more practice and a deeper sense of game awareness, they’ll grow stronger as a team. We believe they’ve downplayed their own strengths, and with more competitive game time, that will change. We look forward to seeing Arcesium return with even more intensity and perform like the playoff contenders they truly are.
team #4
If there’s one team that has truly earned the title of Veterans of the Game at Myra, it’s HSBC. A consistent presence in every corporate basketball tournament since Myra’s inception, HSBC has established itself as a dominant force in the Hyderabad corporate basketball scene. Beyond their basketball success, HSBC the company deserves credit for cultivating a strong sporting culture, always having a squad ready for any competition—a testament to their commitment to employee well-being and development.
In basketball, HSBC’s experience speaks for itself. From punctuality and preparation to smart game management, this team understands the game deeply. Their composure, effective player rotations, and strategic approach put them a step ahead of their competition.
HSBC faced strong opposition this season but rose to the challenge. They began with a thrilling 59-54 win over eventual champions Enviri, thanks to Pavan (#24), who drained five clutch 3-pointers. In their next match, against Arcesium, Sammy led the charge with 24 points to secure a crucial victory. Throughout the tournament, Vikram, David, and Dominic played key roles, anchoring the defense and ensuring the team stayed solid at both ends of the floor. In the semifinals, HSBC came up just short in a hard-fought battle, but their team play shone through. Every player contributed, proving that HSBC’s strength lies in their collective effort. With solid communication and defensive pressure, they made life tough for their opponents.
Though they didn’t make the final, HSBC is undeniably a team to watch. With their depth, experience, and team spirit, we’re confident they’ll return even stronger next year. We look forward to their continued success and wish them the best of luck in their quest for the championship!
team #3
As defending champions, Infosys was one of the most anticipated teams this season, and they certainly lived up to the hype. Hands down, they were the team with the most stylish and unmatched performance across the board, turning heads with their smooth play and electric basketball. Their group-stage performances lived up to the hype, as they scored a combined 150 points across three pool games. With standout players like Azeez, Rohan, Rahul, Sampath and veteran #99 Suresh, they had all the pieces needed for another deep run.
Azeez showcased his unmatched attacking skills, including air-standing shots and mid-range precision. His 3/4th court heave, which was one of the highlights of the tournament, left everyone in awe. Rohan was one of the tournament’s most well-rounded players, contributing with steals, 3-pointers, and a variety of offensive shots. Rahul and Sampath were the clutch players who turned the tide whenever their team needed it most, always stepping up when the pressure mounted. Leading this talented group was Sai Krishnan, whose leadership kept the team cohesive and focused.
Infosys stormed through the group stages, winning all their games and topping Pool A. Their high-flying offense and team chemistry were the talk of the tournament, and they entered the semifinals as favorites. However, their hopes were dashed by a tough start against eventual champions Enviri, leaving them trailing 60-24 at the end of Q3.
Despite the tough deficit, Infosys showcased their resilience by scoring 23 points to start the final quarter, while holding Enviri to just 3 points, closing the gap dramatically and proving they had the heart to fight until the end. Unfortunately, the comeback was not enough, and they were eliminated in the semifinals.
Even the mighty have their bad days. While their semifinal loss was a tough blow, Infosys remains one of the top teams in the Hyderabad corporate basketball scene. With their depth, talent, and fierce competitive spirit, they’ll be back next season, stronger and hungrier than ever. We can’t wait to see them in action again!
team #2 & runners up
TCS arrived at Myra#7 ready to make a statement—and they did just that. As one of the finalists of the tournament, they defied expectations, having not reached a semifinal in recent years. They kicked off their tournament with an impressive win over Wells Fargo, sending a clear message that they were no pushovers. A dominant performance against Intouch CX-1 secured their spot in the playoffs, despite a loss to pool leaders Infosys. But it was their defensive resilience in the Semifinals that truly stood out, as they shut down the offensive juggernaut of HSBC to reach their first final in years.
What made TCS such a force throughout the tournament was their incredible teamwork and the tactical roles assigned to each player. This wasn’t just about individual brilliance—it was about playing to their collective strengths. Vasu and Shankar anchored the defense with sharp rotations and timely offensive rebounds, while Eshwar took charge offensively, relentlessly attacking the basket and breaking down defenses. Bhargav delivered crucial perimeter shooting when the team needed it most, while Nikhil played a key role with his defensive steals and precise passing, constantly creating opportunities for his teammates. With five different medal winners in their squad, TCS showed true depth and versatility.
In the final against Enviri, TCS held their ground until the final quarter. Despite a strong challenge, their inability to contain Enviri’s perimeter shooting in the last stretch ultimately tilted the balance in the champions' favor. Nonetheless, TCS’s performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of impressive. Their determination, unselfish team play, and never-say-die attitude made them a formidable contender.
Though they fell short in the final, TCS is unquestionably one of the top teams in the competition. With their drive, cohesion, and continued growth, we’re excited to see what they’ll achieve next season. We look forward to their return and wish them all the best in their quest for the championship!
team #1 the champions
Enviri had only one thing in mind coming into the tournament. They wanted to win and be the champions. Having been knocked out in the group stages of Myra’s first tournament and falling just short of the playoffs in the next, this year was different. Led by their captain, Varun, who had long desired the title, the team entered the tournament with unmatched determination. This time, their hard work and preparation paid off—Enviri emerged as the 2024 champions, proving their growth from underdogs to tournament victors.
The key to Enviri’s success was their relentless preparation. They were consistently the first team on the court, warming up, practicing, and honing their skills. As the tournament progressed, it became clear that this was a well-oiled machine, with each player understanding their role and executing it flawlessly.
Enviri’s strategy was simple but effective. Benna controlled the tempo and rhythm of the game, while the offensive trio of Mohan, Vishal, and Krishna Vamsi combined to create dynamic, high-scoring plays. Pradeep anchored the defense, making sure their opponents found it difficult to break through. Mohan, who not only finished as the tournament’s top scorer but also showed the kind of all-around brilliance that could very well earn him MVP honors for the tournament, dazzled with his stylish lay-ups, quick 3-pointers, and impressive assists. As captain, Varun’s leadership was invaluable—always pushing his teammates to stay focused and resilient, making sure they never lost sight of their goal.
Despite a tough opening loss to pool-topping HSBC, Enviri bounced back with dominant wins over Arcesium and Intouch CX2, securing their place in the semifinals. There, they faced defending champions Infosys and delivered a complete performance, overwhelming their opponents from the tip-off. In the final, Enviri maintained control from start to finish, claiming their first-ever championship.
Enviri’s journey from underdogs to champions is a testament to their growth and resilience. Congratulations, Team Enviri, on a well-deserved victory. You’ve set the bar high, and we can’t wait to see you defend your title in future editions. The road to the championship now runs through you!
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