Basketball may not be a hot favourite of the media or tabloid news, but ardent and exceptionally talented players have always tried to bring the game into limelight by their brilliant performances. From prestigious international tournaments, including the Olympic Games to matches played at home grounds, basketball never failed to spread its glory among sports lovers.
In India, basketball players have performed extraordinarily well in many of the international basketball tournaments and even set impressive records in the Olympic Games. The country has produced a significant number of brilliant basketball players who have made us proud by gathering acclamation in the international domain.
Basketball has never been an understated sport in India. In fact, the basketball news India and other reports have always emphasized how popular it has been since its inception. Presently, it is played in the high schools, universities, and colleges all over India.
Considered as one of the most widely played games all over India; the journey of basketball started many years back. Gradually, it garnered popularity among sports lovers. Presently, Young Cagers, the basketball team in India is ranked fiftieth all over the world.
Here is brief info on some of the best basketball players of India who made the country proud with their extraordinary performances at national and international levels:
1. Gulam Abbas Moontasir
Regarded as an outstanding basketball player of India, Moontasir was born in Mumbai on 7th January, 1942. His deep interest in the game inspired him to start playing at the tender age of nine years. Moontasir made his international debut in the year 1960 in an exhibition match against Australia. Later on, in 1964 the player represented India in the Quadrangular held in Colombo. He served as the captain of the Indian team in the Asian Basketball Championship was for years 1969 and 1975 in Bangkok. The government of India felicitated him with the Arjuna Award in 1970 for his outstanding performances.
2. Vishesh Bhriguvanshi
Bhriguvanshi is a highly professional basketball player who plays for the Young Cagers that competed at the famous FIBA Asia Champions tournament. The talented player has also competed in many of the prominent basketball events across Asia. These include the Stankovic Cup, the Super Steung Cup International Invitational Basketball Tournament, and others.
3. Khushi Ram
An efficient and extraordinarily talented basketball player of India, Khushi Ram represented the country at several national and international competitions. Ram was also felicitated with the Arjuna award, the highest sporting honour in 1967.
4. Divya Singh
The skilled and widely renowned basketball player had captained the women’s national basketball team, India efficiently. She is known for her exceptional leadership qualities and game expertise. Singh’s academic forte and strong personality deserve a special indication. The incredibly talented player has led women’s basketball team for the country at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games held in 2006.
5. Geethu Anna Jose
This female basketball player from the Kottayam District of Kerala played with some of the best teams, including Los Angeles Sparks, WNBA teams, San Antonio Silver Stars, and Chicago Sky. Jose was born on 30th June, 1985 and won many tournaments for her teams.
6. Ram Kumar
Kumar represented the Indian national basketball team for several championships at international level. He had also served as the captain of the Indian national basketball team for the period 1991 to 1995. This skilled basketball player is widely acclaimed for his flawless 3 point shooting.
7. Sozhasingarayer Robinson
A thorough, professional, Robinson is currently representing the Tamil Nadu Basketball Team. Brought up in the state of Gujarat, Robinson is a popular name in the Indian Basketball field and has given sterling performances in many of tournaments for several teams.
8. Ajmer Singh
This basketball champion hails from Karnal District of Haryana. In 1982, he was felicitated with Arjuna Award, the highest sporting honour for his memorable performances.
Some of the other prominent names in the Indian Basketball arena include:
- Ram Kumar
- Sarabjit Singh
- Khushi Ram
- Hari Dutt
- Gurdial Singh
- Gulam Abbas Montasir
- Vishesh Bhriguvanshi
- Anil Punj
- Surender Kataria
- Om Prakash
- Radhey Shyam
- Hanuman Singh
- Parminder Singh
- T. Vijayaraghawan
- Prashanti Singh
- Akanksha Singh
- Ajmer Singh
- Suman Sharma
- S.S. Cheema