Hoopdarshan Episode 62: Satnam Singh returns to Indian Basketball

Indian basketball star Satnam Singh makes his 3rd appearance on the Hoopdarshan podcast, joining hosts Kaushik Lakshman and Karan Madhok to talk about his return to India, experiences of playing in the NBA G-League, and future ambitions for an NBA return. Satnam was the first NBA draft pick from India, played for the Texas Legends for two years, was the subject of the documentary 'One in a Billion', and is now preparing to help India in the Asian Games later this year.

Kaushik and Karan also discussed the passing of Indian basketball coaching legend Rajesh Patel, the results of the Junior Nationals, and broke down some of the most-compelling story-lines from the NBA Conference Finals



Hoopdarshan is the truest voice of Indian basketball, and since we're such hopeless fans of the game, it will become the voice of everything basketball related we love, from the NBA to international hoops, too. On every episode of Hoopdarshan, we will be inviting a special guest to interview or chat to about a variety of topics. With expert insight from some of the brightest and most-involved people in the world of Indian basketball, we hope to bring this conversation to a many more interested fans, players, and followers of the game.

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Indian Basketball Players Association to organize 'Dribblathon' in New Delhi - UPDATE

"Just imagine a shot in front of the India Gate," says Jayasankar Menon, an Indian basketball legend and president of the recently-formed Indian Basketball Players Association (IBPA), "The 'Dribblathon' will be flagged off at the National Stadium, go through the inner road of the India Gate, and come back to the National Stadium. Almost 600 players have confirmed to be out there dribbling."

With a few words, Menon has painted a beautiful basketball picture; next week, the IBPA will be hoping that their imagination can evolve into a beautiful basketball reality in the nation's capital. Hundreds of basketballs, dribbling through one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols of India.

The IBPA will be hosting the first-ever 'Dribblathon' from the Dhyan Chand National Stadium to the India Gate and back in New Delhi (UPDATE - Date/Time have been since suspended by IBPA). The IBPA will be hosting this event to promote basketball, project India's basketball legends, and also celebrate Satnam Singh's entry into the NBA. As Menon said, close to 600 players have already registered to take part in his historic event.

"The national stadium was the venue of first Asian Games inauguration," Menon added, "And we want IBPA first public event to be kicked off from same venue."

You can email the IBPA at ibpaindia@gmail.com to register.

UPDATE: IBPA President Jayasankar Menon has announced, in respect for the passing of India's former president APJ Abdul Kalam, the Dribblathon will be suspended. With Independence Day celebrations coming in mid-August, the IBPA will reschedule and announce the new date/time for the event soon.

India to take part in basketball tournament in Dubai in August

India's national basketball Men's team has accepted an invitation to take part in the inaugural B&B International Basketball Championship, set to be hosted by the Al Nasr Club in Dubai from August 20-27. India was among the first teams to confirm their participation in this competition. India is set to face other Asian national and club sides in this tournament.

Photo Courtesy: Ekalavyas.com

According to GulfNews.com, the only other national squad so far to be invited in the championship has been Iraq. Top club basketball sides from Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, South Korea, China and the Philippines by Al Nasr to Dubai.

Via GulfNews.com

"Having the Indian team in Dubai for this international competition is a huge achievement for us. We hope the Indian supporters come and back their team," B&B General Manager, Abdullah Murad told Gulf News.
"In the past we have seen the huge response Indian teams have got in Dubai and I am convinced it will be no different this time," he added.

Invitations have been sent out to the Kelantan Warriors from Kuala Lumpur, the Wollongong Hawks from New South Wales, Australia, two-time former Fiba Asia Champions Cup winners Al Hekmeh Sagesse from Lebanon, Changwon LG Sakers from South Korea, Dongguan New Century Leopards from China and Air21 Express team that plays in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Joining these international sides will be local teams Al Wasl and Al Nasr.
"We have narrowed down on some of the top teams in Asia as we want the general public to attend and enjoy wholesome family entertainment," Murad said.
"We are still in contact with other international club teams and there will be additions as we build up towards this competition," he added.

Photo Courtesy: Ekalavyas.com

The tournament will serve as a good practice ground for India, who will hope to shift their attention right after towards the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon (South Korea) starting from mid-September.

India will be hoping to continue their recent slate of basketball success in the South Asian region. Led by Head Coach Scott Flemming, India's Men team captured the gold medal at the Lusofonia Games in Goa in January and the victory at the 3rd South Asian Basketball Championship in Nepal, which secured their qualification for the FIBA Asia Cup.

The 5th FIBA Asia Cup will be held in Wuhan (China) in Mid-July, and that is Team India's next major basketball tournament, a month before the B&B International Championship in Dubai.

Arjuna Awardee basketball player Anil Kumar Punj passes away at 63

Anil Kumar Punj, Arjuna Awardee, former outstanding International Basketball Player of India died on January 14, 2011 in Delhi. He was 63 years old.

Punj had an illustrious career in the Border Security Force from 1968 to 2004 from where he retired as Commandant. He distinguished himself at the international and national level and was a member of the Indian Basketball Teams which participated in the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, and two Asian Basketball Championships - 1971 (Tokyo) and 1973 (Manila). Anil Kumar Punj was a highly talented, brilliant and respected player. He was famed for his sportsmanship and for always gave his best to the team.

Over his career Punj bagged two Gold, four Silver and four Bronze Medals in National Basketball Championships and also 13 Gold Medals and 2 Silver Medals in All India Police Games. He was decorated with the Arjuna Award by the Govt. of India in 1976 and Police Medal for Meritorious Services 1992. He was also decorated with the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award by the Punjab Govt. in 1986.

The Punjab Basketball Association (PBA), in a special meeting presided over by Basketball Federation of India (BFI) President R.S. Gill, IPS (Retd.), condoled the sudden demise of Punj. In this hour of grief, the PBA has promised to stand the family of the deceased and offer all help wherever and whenever required.

Harish Sharma, the Secretary-General of the BFI offered his condolences to Punj's family and friends. "This is great loss to basketball in India," said Sharma, "Anil Kumar Punj was a legendary basketball player."

Teja Singh Dhaliwal, the Secretary-General of the PBA, said, "It is a sad moment for the basketball society. We have lost a great player and a great friend."