GMC Club of former Indian basketball stars to play exhibition games in Dubai

Several of India's former basketball stars, including retired big names like CV Sunny and Unwin Antony, will be heading to Dubai next week for exhibition games in an effort to promote the game in the UAE. GulfNews.com reported on Thursday that the team Good Morning Club (GMC) comprising of players who formerly represented India, all-India government organisations and state teams, is scheduled to play vs. teams in Dubai on February 15 and 16.

More reporting by Alaric Gomes via GulfNews.com

“These players have all played basketball at quite a level and our aim now is to have them pass on their invaluable knowledge to youngsters here in the UAE,” Ali T., one of the organisers told Gulf News.
“In recent years, basketball has shown a lot of promise especially in India and we want to cash in on this and further help in the development of the game,” he added.

The tour is being coordinated by the pioneer coaches of grassroot development in the sport in the UAE for the past two decades IBS-UAE, the only registered expat non-profit sports organisation with the Indian Business Council at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce.

The veteran GMC side takes part in senior state and national age group competitions and in motivational programmes for upcoming talent in India. Their players in this exhibition tour will include former India captain Unwin Antony, former India captain CV Sunny, and former India players Thomas Varghese and George Zachariah. Experienced former state players KM George, Jose Kurian, Jose Joseph, Philip Zachariah, and more will be part of the squad.

GMC will play against All Stars Dubai at the NIMS Dubai Indoor Stadium on February 15 and Beatrice Dubai at DPS Dubai Indoor Hall on February 16.

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.