A single game of basketball can change your life. Bengaluru Beast’s (UBA Pro Basketball team) skipper Kaif Zia swears by the saying. “The game has changed my life,” he informs Sportskeeda. Having played basketball for over seven years now, the 23-year-old shooter is passionate about this game.
Born and brought in Bengaluru, Kaif stayed in a joint family. “Owing to personal problems, a couple of years ago, my life was clouded with negativity. But all this while the only thing that stuck by my side was basketball. It taught me how to live and get over negativity,” says Kaif. Basketball has taught him to take only the positive things from the game. Which is why he banks only on his wins, learns from the losses and shrugs them off.
During his schooling days, Kaif ventured all the sports – badminton, cricket, volleyball and others. However, it was just basketball that caught his eye. His current coach saw his capabilities and encouraged him to take up this game. He surely owes his love for the game to his coach. Over seven years in the field of basketball, Kaif added several feathers to his cap. Although he would love to continue his stint as a basketball player, his father, a Bengaluru-based businessman, hopes that his son would take forward the family legacy.
Having played several tournaments over the years, Kaif is now becoming a household name in his hometown. He has inspired several to take up this game, including his own brothers Azam, 26, and Adnan, 14, too. “This is the power of game. It has the power to attract everyone towards the game,” he smiles. Kaif has recently completed his graduation in B.Com and is currently doing his PG from Jain University.
According to Kaif, one shouldn’t have any expectation while they enter this field basketball. “The game is completely driven by passion and you hope to succeed. Earlier, the game did not offer any money. Thanks to UBA, our effort are recognised now,” he says. Further adding, “UBA had truly changed the scene of this game in our country. I have been playing with UBA since Day 1. Look at the crowd here. The stadium is packed. Earlier, the game did not have that reach. Now UBA is spreading the essence of this game as far as possible.”
Although the Beast’s lost their inaugural game to Hyderabad Sky, the skipper hasn’t lost any hope. “We are positive that we will survive till the end. This is just the beginning. The team is trying to understand each other. We will surely bounce back,” he assures.
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