Losing talent

The scene in Indian Basketball is no different from other sports. There's the cycle of promises of growth and development, stays there a bit, then the inevitable decline. This cycle's is the first that I've seen with some names and faces that I followed in the early 2000's, now m.i.a from the scene. Good to see fresh faces and promises of growth, but how's this cycle going to end?
From the last cycle (some of those stories are better reported thanks to the internet), there are some sore themes that need to be sorted out. One, focus on infra and sports development is still not there. There are no 'programs' centrally directed at development. Central agencies are keen to pass on the responsibility to state agencies and somewhere along the way there just isn't the accountability factor. Result: Players speaking out, getting banned, and groups of talented players squandering their talents when they are in the prime of their life.
Next is the issue of talent development. In the recent past, opportunities to participate in global leagues opened up to the top talents. Management and coaches argue that this just isn't helpful for team development if a few of the top members disappear from national duty. Conflict of interest. Result: Players frustrated, trust 'bridge' broken.
Another issue is that of the support staff - coaches, managers, physio, etc. etc. who help players focus and help in the development of the players and evolve a team strategy that works. Frequent changes has also contributed to the 'cycle' of stagnation.
How to break this?? Well, lessons from the past can be helpful but there needs to be a change in focus going forward. Part of the problem is that our 'top players' are only a handful. Only if the players are available in plenty would it be possible to raise the overall game. For that better earnest local representation of the sport is the need. The next steps would follow. After all, where success is, recognition and money follows.

Ramu Memorial Basketball from Feb 21- 28 in Mumbai

According to the official website, the Mumbai based basketball tourney will feature 12 teams from all over India. 8 Men teams divided into 2 groups. In Group A: Western Railway, ONGC, Chennai Customs, Vijaya Bank, & Group B: IOB, Services, Punjab, & RCF - Kapurtala, a new team. Women teams: Aamchi Mumbai, Karnataka, SEC Railway & Southern Railway.

The games schedule along with the timings of the matches is also mentioned in their website - thank god for that.
I've been trying to get more details since last week on this tourney, and it was really disappointing to see that absolutely no details were mentioned in the papers or online.

Well, the highlight of this tournament is the 3-point competition and Slam Dunk competition. Wow!! I've seen some players dunk in India, but didn't know that we had a 'competition' of sorts to judge and award the players. I'll try to make it on Saturday Feb 27 to see that or catch it in DD Sports

Rise & Shine

This blog - My blog effort number 2 is primarily focussed on Indian Basketball. Its all about the national/state/club team's Players, stats, results, heck even gossips, anything to do with Indian Basketball, I will try to post here.

Reach out to me if you have similar interests.