DIMAPUR, SEP 9 (NPN): The Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) has announced that Rolio Z Lohe has become the first FIBA Licensed Statistician from Nagaland, holding FIBA Statistician License No. 41916. This achievement marks a historic milestone for basketball in the state and highlights Nagaland’s growing presence in the international basketball community.
The announcement comes alongside the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026, which tipped off in Ahmedabad on August 13. In preparation for the tournament, the FIBA Regional Office–Asia, under the aegis of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), conducted a FIBA Statisticians Workshop from August 10–11. The workshop, attended by 49 aspirants, focused on the FIBA Statisticians’ Manual 2024 and the use of FIBA LiveStats software.
Rolio Z Lohe’s journey reflected a steady progression of dedication and professional development. He completed a six-week Basketball Coaching Certificate Course at SAI, Bangalore in 2023, followed by qualifying as a WABC Coach in March 2024 through the World Association of Basketball Coaches program in Chumoukedima.
In September 2025, he appeared for the BFI B Panel exam in Chennai, further strengthening his technical expertise. Most recently, between April and May 2026, he undertook an internship as Coach, Events & Operations Manager at the Lakshyan Academy of Sports in Bangalore, gaining valuable hands-on experience in coaching and sports management.
Speaking on the achievement, Hon. Secretary of the NBA, Sentiningsang Longkumer said, “This is a proud and defining moment for Nagaland basketball. Rolio’s dedication, perseverance and commitment to learning have opened a new pathway for our state in the global basketball arena. His achievement is not just personal but symbolic, it inspires every young aspirant from Nagaland and the Northeast to dream bigger and aim higher.”
The NBA extended congratulations to Rolio and all participants of the workshop, expressing hope that this milestone will pave the way for many more achievements in the future of Nagaland and Indian basketball.
