Indian Basketball History: A Legacy of Growth and Potential
Indian Basketball History
India has a rich history in basketball, with the sport gaining popularity in the early 20th century. The first official basketball game in India was played in 1936, and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) was established in 1950. Since then, basketball has grown steadily in the country, with the national team competing in international tournaments and a number of professional leagues emerging.
Highlights and Features
- India has a long and storied history in basketball, with the sport being played for over 80 years.
- The BFI is the governing body for basketball in India, and it is responsible for organizing national competitions and representing India in international events.
- India has a number of professional basketball leagues, including the United Basketball Alliance (UBA) and the National Basketball League (NBL).
- The Indian national basketball team has competed in a number of international tournaments, including the FIBA World Cup and the Asian Games.
Year |
Event |
Result |
1950 |
BFI founded |
|
1963 |
India first participates in FIBA World Cup |
12th place |
1975 |
India wins gold in Asian Basketball Championship |
|
2011 |
India hosts FIBA Asia Championship |
|
2023 |
India to host FIBA Basketball World Cup |
|
Figures
- The BFI has over 300 affiliated units across India.
- There are over 100 professional basketball clubs in India.
- The Indian national basketball team is ranked 61st in the FIBA World Ranking.
- India has won three gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals in the Asian Basketball Championship.
Year |
Tournament |
Medal |
1975 |
Asian Basketball Championship |
Gold |
1981 |
Asian Basketball Championship |
Silver |
1983 |
Asian Basketball Championship |
Gold |
1991 |
Asian Basketball Championship |
Bronze |
2003 |
Asian Basketball Championship |
Bronze |
FAQs and Tips
- When was the first official basketball game played in India? The first official basketball game in India was played in 1936.
- Who is the governing body for basketball in India? The BFI is the governing body for basketball in India.
- How many professional basketball leagues are there in India? There are two professional basketball leagues in India: the UBA and the NBL.
- What is the ranking of the Indian national basketball team? The Indian national basketball team is ranked 61st in the FIBA World Ranking.
Call to Action
If you are interested in learning more about Indian basketball history, we encourage you to visit the BFI website or follow the Indian national team on social media. You can also find a number of articles and videos about Indian basketball online.