Whether he suited up for Rajasthan, Railways, or India,
Hanuman Singh Rathore was often the smallest guy on the basketball court. But the talented guard exceeded expectations and succeeded with heart over height over a glittering basketball career in the 1970s-80s, with highlights including the Arjuna Award and a spot in India's only Olympic team. Today, Rathore is added to the
Hoopistani Indian Basketball Hall of Fame.
Rathore was born in Bhagwanpur, in Nagaur district of Rajasthan in February 1950. He attended the Military School in Ajmer and then the Rajasthan University in Jaipur. By the time he began to play for Rajasthan's state teams, the 5-foot-9 guard had developed into one of the best young talents in the country. Singh eventually joined Indian Railways, for whom he manned the point en-route to several titles in the domestic national championships.
Rathore played an important role for Team India and was part of the legendary squad that played in the Moscow 1980 Olympics, the only time India has participated in an Olympic basketball tournament. India finished the tournament 0-7, but Rathore gained some valuable experience. His high-point was the game against Czechoslovakia, when he dished out 10 assists in a losing effort.
Rathore was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1975. He remained in the periphery of Indian basketball in various roles after his retirement, including being a selector for India's national teams. He is currently employed with the Steel Authority of India (SAIL).
Click here for more of the Hoopistani Indian Basketball Hall of Fame.
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