Basketball: A way of life

” With the ball in my hand; I forget where do I stand…The feel of the rubber – the feel of the grip; Allows me to give my unrest a slip..The zeal picks up on the whistle’s call; Hold your breath people its the jump ball…Then starts the hour of intense adrenaline rush; The fist pumpings and the sound of khachches and the sweetesh swush…The heart stops thinking what next in the final stages; The game inspires from the start and till the last second amazes…This is the thrill that stands out from all; This is my game-my life- my basketball…”

Basketball aka. ‘Fastest sport on Earth,’ is the most captivating game throughout the 4 quarters it is played. The paradigm keeps shifting with every passing minute and in some games, even few seconds can be decisive. Those last second buzzer beaters, ankle breaking cross-overs, searing dunks in traffic and so much more. This game is not for the weak hearts. Because this is Basketball - Where Amazing Happens….

The biggest league for basketball across the world is the NBA – National Basketball Association, held in The United States of America. This is the best place to witness the heart pumping, high jumping and menacingly fast game of Basketball. Players from across the world play for 30 different city teams divided in 2 conferences – Eastern and Western. Players from across the globe have achieved incomparable fame by playing ball in this league. Players don their club jerseys close to their hearts when they sweat it out to bring glory to the club and the fans. It becomes impossible for the spectators to remain detached from the game for even a second.

Legends such as Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlaine, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and many more have been the ambassadors for the game which has taken off with a bang in many countries off late. India is no exception. Basketball is rapidly making its space in the hearts of aspiring sports players in India. Its heartening to see people open up to new sports like basketball in the society which worships Cricketers.

Mahindra, a business giant in India, has taken a stride towards popularising the sport of Basketball in India, in association with none other than NBA. The Mahindra NBA competition is held across 4 major cities every year and has received increasing number of entries every year. The idea of getting NBA legends and current stars like Pau Gasol to India to motivate the kids has indeed weaved its magic and attracted more and more participants to the game. The participation of girls towards the game is monumental. Girls from all age groups are participating in this competition. Training and counselling sessions held by Troy Justice (NBA representative) are really working towards uplifting the standards of the game in India.

Though many phenomenal talents are consistently performing in the domestic circuit, they need platforms like these to shine in front of the world and get noticed. Geethu Anna Jose stands out from the crowd in that respect. The highly talented performer did not give up despite all the hardships she faced. She rose from the ashes and today inspires thousands of girls to follow her tracks.

For those people who wish to make riches out of the game and think Cricket is the only way, this is a reality check. There is no single Cricketer in the list of 10 richest sports personalities, whereas 3 Basketball players star in the list for sure. Even female international Basketball players have achieved the pinnacles of success and an amazing fan base with their display of talent.

So my dear friends. here is a small drill. Watch a Basketball game (even if you do not know a thing about it!) – try to keep your eyes away from the game the next time you see it. Because this is Basketball – where amazing happens!.