Abbas Moontasir: Hoopistani Indian Basketball Hall of Fame

Even today, decades after he took his official final shot from the game, the legend of Abbas Moontasir rings loud around his neighbourhood in Nagpada, around Mumbai, and across the nation. The feisty guard who picked up the game in some of Mumbai's roughest bastis went on to become a legend for the game, captaining the Indian national team, starring at the international stage in the 1960s-70s, and winning the coveted Arjuna Award. He is the newest addition to the Hoopistani Indian Basketball Hall of Fame.

Born in Mumbai in 1942, Moontasir picked up basketball from American missionaries in the Nagpada area, in what is now known as the iconic Late Bachookhan Municipal Playground. He played for Bombay University, Maharashtra state, and then reached his peak with Western Railways. His international debut also came in his hometown against an Australian side in 1960. Moontasir captained Team India in two FIBA Asia Championships, in 1969 and 1975, and was also the member of the Indian team that participated in the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. He took part in the 10th Anniversary confederation Tournament in Manila and was chosen for the Asian All-Star team in 1970.

The same year, Moontasir was given the rare distinction of the Arjuna Award in basketball. He went on to play for the country and for Railways (despite a few years lost in between to suspension) until 1986, when he retired at age 44.

Off the court, Moontasir authored a book called 'Principles of Basketball' and, like every well-known Mumbaikar, flirted with Bollywood in two films: Khoon Ki Takkar (1981) and Aashiana (1986). Now 77, he continues to be a guiding force in Nagpada and for basketball in Mumbai.

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