Statewide Basketball Tournament in Brandon, Florida

Brandon, Florida Feb 26, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church will host the 12th Annual Mar Makil Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 7, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. at the church's basketball court, located at 3920 S. Kings Ave, Brandon, FL 33511.

Now in its 12th year, the tournament has grown into one of the premier youth sporting events for the Malayalee Christian community in the southeastern United States. This year's competition will bring together 15 teams from across the region, representing youth groups from congregations including Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church in Brandon, St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Church in Seffner, St. Jude Knanaya Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale, Zion Assembly of God in Hollywood, St. Mary Syro-Malabar Church in Orlando, and Our Lady of Health Syro-Malabar Church in Coral Springs.

Competition will be held across three divisions Middle School, High School, and College giving young athletes throughout the region an opportunity to demonstrate their talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a community-centered setting.

The tournament is organized by the Mar Makil Basketball Tournament Organizing Committee, led by Justin Lukose and Jeffry Reni, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Joseph Adoppillil. The event aims to strengthen fellowship and unity among youth while celebrating the spirit of friendly competition.

Food vendors will be on-site throughout the day, offering a variety of options for attendees at a nominal cost.

For more information, visit marmakilbasketball.org.