Shinjuku Givers Makes History in Cebu Hustle 3X3
In an exciting turn of events in the world of women's basketball, the Japanese team
Shinjuku Givers has emerged victorious at the inaugural
Cebu Hustle 3X3 tournament, held in Cebu, Philippines. From June 20 to 21, 2026, the tournament featured a fierce competition among talented teams. Shinjuku Givers showcased their skill and determination by winning all five matches, decisively securing their place as the first champions of this new international event.
A Strong Start
The tournament kicked off with Shinjuku Givers facing off against formidable opponent
TOL Patriots in their first qualifying match. The game was hard-fought, but the Givers prevailed with a score of
17-13. This initial victory was propelled by standout performances from players
Yumi Takakuwa and
Ibeh Esther Chikamso, both of whom were selected for a post-match interview to share their strategies for success.
The team continued its winning streak in the second qualifying match against
Move Lilo-on, finishing the game with a remarkable
21-0 score, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength. Players
Naho Mizuno and Ibeh Esther Chikamso took to the stage once again for interviews, highlighting their preparation and teamwork.
Triumph in the Knockout Stage
On the second day of competition, Shinjuku Givers entered the knockout stage, determined to maintain their unbeaten record. In the quarter-finals, they faced
MAURICE LACROIX, winning
14-9 and advancing to the semi-finals against
CT Tigers, whom they narrowly defeated
21-19 in a thrilling encounter. Each game heightened the excitement for fans, who eagerly cheered on their favorite team.
The final match pitted Shinjuku Givers against the
Uratex Dreams, a team that had also showcased impressive skills throughout the tournament. However, Shinjuku Givers proved unstoppable, sealing their championship win with a decisive
21-8 score. This victory not only brought them the championship title but also a prize of
$3,000.
Ibeh Esther Chikamso: MVP and Beyond
A significant highlight of the tournament was the recognition of
Ibeh Esther Chikamso, who was awarded the tournament’s
Most Valuable Player (MVP) and also named one of the
Mythical Three players, a distinction that honors three standout performers throughout the event. Her contributions on the court were vital to her team's success, and her individual accolades reflect her exceptional talent and hard work.
Shinjuku Givers: The Team Behind the Title
The Shinjuku Givers women's basketball team is operated by the
Cocoro Seitai Group (株式会社givers), which runs 125 clinics across Japan and two international locations, helping around 800,000 clients annually. The organization is committed to supporting athletes through expert training and conditioning managed by its in-house
Sports Trainer Department. This team, led by qualified professionals including NATA-certified athletic trainers, has tailored strength and conditioning programs that have been developed through scientific research and practical experience.
As they celebrate this remarkable victory at the Cebu Hustle 3X3, Shinjuku Givers has not only made a name for themselves in international women's basketball but also established their dedication to excellence both on and off the court.
For more updates on the team and their journey, you can follow them on their official website
Shinjuku Givers Official.