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Dhaka, May 19 (UNB)- Flame Boys made a flying start in the Citycell Metropolis First Division Basketball League crushing Josephites by 102-18 points in the opening match at the Dhanmondi Basketball Gymnasium here on Saturday.

The winners led the first half by 63-8 points.

Shakib caged 35 and Manzil 17 for the winners while Jubair scored six points for the losers.

Earlier, Bangladesh Basketball Federation (BBF) president Dr Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin MP inaugurated the seven-team league.

Chief Operating Officer of the league sponsor Citycell, David Lee, was present as special guest. Head of the Corporate Communications and Public Relations of Citycell Taslim Ahmed and BBF general secretary Lt Col (retd) AK Sarker were also present on the occasion.

Seven participating teams-Flame Boys, Eagles, Wraith, the Shawons, Cantonians, Old DOHS SC and Josephites-will take part in the first phase of the two-tier metropolis league.

On completion of the first phase, two top teams of the first division league will earn the rights to play in the 10-team Citycell Premier Division Basketball League along with eight premier division clubs.

The 10-team Premier Division Basketball League will begin on May 27 at the same venue.

Eight premier division clubs are: Europa Youth, the Gregarious, Dhumketu Club, Rangers, The Gregs, Hornets SC, Mohammadpur Basketball Club and Bokshibazar.