Nagpur: Veteran basketball players who once sweated it out on the courts of Nagpur, laid the foundation of the city’s rich basketball culture, came together again with passion and enthusiasm in a unique reunion.For the first time in the 50-year history of basketball in Orange City, the stars of yesteryears who constituted Nagpur District Basketball Association (NDBA) came together and relived their glory days.
Veteran basketball players play 3×3 tournament
In a unique get-together of veteran basketball players from different generations, over 100 former hoopsters in the age categories of 50 and 80 years played matches in the shorter format of the sport and engaged in some free-throw competitions at the twin courts of Nutan Bharat Yuwak Sangh, Bajaj Nagar.
Veteran basketball players during a 3×3 tournament in Nagpur
Many retired players travelled from different parts of Maharashtra, while several others who are now settled outside Nagpur returned especially for the occasion. The reunion rekindled cherished memories as old teammates met after many years, bringing back the spirit of friendship, competition and camaraderie on the basketball court.
Veteran players share old memories of basketball in Nagpur
The gathering also revisited memories of the basketball scene in 1976. At that time, Nagpur had only five or six basketball clubs. Despite limited facilities and challenging circumstances, the players of that era kept the sport alive and nurtured its growth. Their dedication has helped transform the city into a basketball hub with 22 active clubs and hundreds of players. Many players from Nagpur have since gone on to represent Maharashtra and India, bringing laurels to the city.The working president of NDBA, Adv Abhay Kaplay, said, “We are delighted that our mentor and the oldest participant, 80-year-old Suresh Ghugre, Dilip Bapat — the first player from Nagpur to represent Maharashtra — joined us for this memorable reunion.”
Veteran basketball players participate in a free throw competition
Member of the organising committee Ramesh Bakshi said, “To relive old memories, we organised 3×3 half-court matches and free-throw competitions. The veteran players participated with tremendous enthusiasm, proving that their passion for the game remains as strong as ever.”
The podium finishers of the 3×3 basketball tournament
Senior players representing NBYS, Shivaji Nagar Gymkhana, Dharampeth Krida Mandal, Swastik Krida Mandal, Nagpur Amateur Sports Association, Apollo Basketball Club, Reshimbagh Gymkhana and others took part in the event. Bhavesh Kuchanwar, secretary of the NDBA, and Anup Rajurkar, former secretary of the district body, made significant contribution to the successful organisation of the event.
Veteran basketball players play 3×3 game in Nagpur
During the gathering, participants expressed a strong desire to organise a dedicated tournament for veteran basketball players from next year onwards. The programme was compered by Ratnakar Ranade.
