Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) paid a heart-touching tribute to their most lovable sportspersons, G Ravi Kumar by winning the men`s title in the Odisha State Senior Basketball Championship, which concluded at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack today. BSNL beat Bhubaneswar Athletic Association (BAA) in the final 78-48.

Ravi Kumar, a front-line player of the BSNL team, died on court after suffering a massive heart-stroke on the opening day of the championship. Unfazed by the irreparable loss, the BSNL team fought hard to pay their best homage to Ravi by winning the title for the eighth time.

``Ravi was a fantastic player. His premature demise devastated us. But we vowed to pay him our best tribute by winning the title. We are happy that we did it. We dedicate this trophy to Ravi,`` said an emotional BSNL captain Kameswar Rao at the closing function.

Bhubaneswar Athletic Association lifted the women`s trophy, beating Cuttack District Athletic Association (CDAA) in the summit clash. Odisha Olympic Association secretary Asirbad Behera handed over the trophies in the presence of Odisha Basketball Association secretary Ashok Kumar Sahu.