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Only govt can provide Pune district basketball association with a court: Lalit Nahata
Lalit Nahata, the PDBA vice-president, talks about why Deccan Gymkhana has almost become synonymous with basketball in the city and how the level of the game has gone up leaps and bounds over the past few years
At school and collegiate level, a number of basketball tournaments take place in the city with Deccan Gymkhana usually being the hub for the sport. The Pune District Basketball Association (PDBA) have shared a fruitful understanding with the Deccan-based club and have been conducting a number of tournaments and training camps. Lalit Nahata, the PDBA vice-president, spoke to Pranav Shahaney about why Deccan Gymkhana has almost become synonymous with basketball in the city and how the level of the game has gone up leaps and bounds over the past few years.
What makes Deccan Gymkhana a prime destination for basketball?
We do not have a single court of our own which is why we have to conduct tournaments at venues like Deccan Gymkhana. For the federation to get ground, it is only the government that can provide us with one. The cost to build a synthetic court is around Rs. 18-19 lakh.
However, at Deccan Gymkhana we have four courts and share a very good understanding with the club so they allow us to use the court for a nominal fee as we conduct our tournaments here. It is a very good facility and it is also good for them as a number of players and parents visit and get impressed by the look and feel of the courts.
Do you think that the number of tournaments that take place every year are sufficient to promote and improve the game in the city?
If we don’t get the break time, we won’t be able to work on their development. If we have to improve their strength, we have to use the medicine ball (also known as an exercise ball or a fitness ball), if we are to improve their fitness and stamina, we conduct specific drills such as sprints and long-distance running for that.
Now, to improve their footwork, we have also started making them play football in the off-season. That’s why I think the number of tournaments they play is fine because if they keep on playing competitively, their chances of injury increases and they cannot work on their development.
Why isn’t there a tight calendar for the senior players as they would be the ones representing the country at an international level?
Yes, I think that there should be a league for the senior players, but it will be an extremely difficult proposition because we are already exhausted with the funds conducting the school and college level tournaments.
We’re giving the player’s prize money worth Rs. 40,000 while the budget of the referees and courts per tournament comes up to Rs. 1,00,000. So, to conduct a senior league, we are looking for a corporate social responsibility investor.
How much of an impact do you think St Vincent’ National Basketball Association (NBA) style court will have on basketball in the city?
It’s going to be a very good facility for players to play. They have also proposed starting an academy there. Will be the first maple wood flooring court in Pune which will be used exclusively for basketball.
The bounce on these courts is completely different – it is much lower than that of a hard court. This is because the sponging of the court is more which can see the players jump higher due to the air gap between the floor and the wooden batons.
PUNE’S BASKETBALL CALENDAR
At school and collegiate level, a number of basketball tournaments take place in the city with Deccan Gymkhana usually being the hub for the sport.
January: COEP zest tournament for engineering colleges
Category: Under 13
March: Late Rajabhau Chitale Memorial
Category: Under 13
April: Late Indirabhai Joshi Memorial
Category: Under 18
May: Late Sanjay Mahadev Nimhan Memorial state championship
Category: Under 16 and Under 18
August: DSO inter-school and college tournaments
Category: Under 14, Under 16 and Under 19
October: MIT Summit All India tournament for engineering colleges
Category: Open
November:
1. Late Akshay Bhosale Memorial
Category: Open,
2. St. Joseph’s Invitational
Category: Under 14
December: School Olympics
Category: Under 17
Players to watch out
Ojas Ambedkar, forward, Deccan Gymkhana: The dynamic attacking player has not only led his club to glory but was also pivotal in guiding Maharashtra to the finals of the 35th Youth National Basketball Championships in October 2018. With both his parents heavily involved in the sport, it’s safe to say that basketball runs in the genes and it’s what has helped him become one of the city’s finest youngsters.
Shrutika Aegade, forward, Sardar Datur Girls High School: She was one of the driving forces in guiding Dastur to the title at the 9th Late Rajabhau Chitale Memorial last week and is expected to be picked for the district team for the State Championships that are expected to take place in April.
Pritish Kokate, guard, currently at NBA academy in Noida: The 18-year-old city lad is living the dream of many a budding basketball player as he is one step closer to competing in the NBA. Having been picked by the NBA scouts after his performances in the Air Jump event last year, he was invited to Noida to train in the facility there and based on his performances, he could be shortlisted to make the trip to the United States of America to play a few friendly matches or even try out for the developmental leagues.
