The 2025 Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Democracy Day Basketball Championship has officially tipped off at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with an energetic and colorful opening ceremony marking the beginning of the tournament's second edition.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, emphasized that the primary goal of the championship is to promote unity and enhance Civil-Military cooperation across the country.

“The objective is to strengthen Civil-Military cooperation by positively engaging the youths in healthy competition while promoting mutual understanding and respect,” General Musa said.

He further noted that the theme of the championship, "Encouraging Grassroot Basketball Talents," underscores the commitment to youth development through sports. “Beyond fostering unity, this event also seeks to identify and nurture young talents, building their capacity to contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” he added.

Sixteen teams are participating in the tournament, which began with a spirited parade of all teams. In the opening match, Team Nasarawa secured a 32-28 victory over Gilali of Kaduna, setting the stage for an exciting series of games to follow. The tournament will run until Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

The event drew an array of distinguished guests, including General Musa himself; Air Commodore Dola, SGOH (Rtd); members of the 38 RC; the Director of Sports, FCT Sports Council; HRH Eke Ifeanyi; Mr. Anthony, Chairman of the FCT Basketball Caretaker Committee; Deputy Chiefs of Defence Headquarters (DHQ); CDPP; CDOP; and the Chief of Training.

The championship continues on Monday with more matches on schedule, aiming to combine sport, youth empowerment, and national unity in celebration of Democracy Day.