She has represented the Kerala state team in mini and youth nationals and played for the Indian team for 13 years. She is Mrs.Prasanna Jayshankar, the former captan of Indian women’s basketball team.
Here’s the interview I had with her.
Rajalingam: Can you tell about your basketball career in brief?
Prasanna Jayashankar: I started playing for the Kerala state from 1982. I have represented the Kerala team in Mini nationals for 2 years, and also in junior nationals. I started playing senior nationals from 1983 onwards. I joined Southern Railway in 1985 and played for them till 1996. I have also played for the Indian senior team from 1984 to 1996. I have captained the Indian team in the Asian Basketball Championships held at Singapore in 1990.
Rajalingam: Since you are based completely in Chennai, what do you think of basketball in Chennai?
Prasanna Jayashankar: There are lots of upcoming players in Chennai. There are lots of good players coming up in the school level. Almost all the schools have a basketball court and a full fledged basketball coach to coach their team.
Rajalingam: What do you think about the coaching scenario in our place?
Prasanna Jayashankar: The coaching system in our country has to get systematic. The coaches should be strong with their basic fundamentals. Here, every coach has his own style of coaching. When you look at the US coaching system, more importance is emphasized on the coaching pattern. All the coaches there teach in a scientific and a similar way. There should be regular clinics conducted for the coaches, here.
Rajalingam: What will be your suggestions for the grassroots basketball development?
Prasanna Jayashankar: The teaching methodology followed by the coaches should be with a more emphasis on kids. The coaches should be able to interact with the kids well, and make the kids comfortable to learn the game.
Rajalingam: There are only Institutional teams right now in the basketball circuit, and very few club teams in India. What’s your opinion about this?
Prasanna Jayashankar: We event don’t have many Institutional teams in India. When there are many men’s teams, only Southern Railway has a full fledged women’s team. Also the Institutional teams provide the job security for the players, which is not there with he club teams.
Rajalingam: What do you think about the importance given to women players from all strata of the society?
Prasanna Jayashankar: The mindset of the people is changing. All the women have started working, and it gives them confidence. The educational opportunities and the changes in the current lifestyle make people accept women’s players with much respect.
Rajalingam: What are your plans with your basketball academy?
Prasanna Jayashankar: With PBA, we will be organizing summer camps. We are also organizing regular tournaments. My husband and I train the players on weekend. We are also planning to organize clinics for the coaches.
Rajalingam: What in your idea will motivate more players to take up the game?
Prasanna Jayashankar: There should be more money coming into the game. Players have to be paid well so that they can focus on their game.
Here’s wishing Mrs. Jayashankar all the best for her plans with PBA, and hats off to her work in developing the basketball in the country.
