The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has taken a firm stance to offer steadfast support to the Indian under-18 women’s basketball team in the wake of the disappointment of being denied a spot in the Asian Championship.
Aadhav Arjuna, the President of BFI, has conveyed his disappointment with FIBA Asia’s decision to choose the Maldives, a significantly lower-ranked team, over India for the championship. He has raised questions about the absence of a SABA zonal championship for women in that age group, emphasizing the discriminatory nature of the decision.
Arjuna has provided assurances to the under-18 women players of the federation’s support, and has announced plans for an exposure tournament for the team in Russia. Additionally, he has stated that a training camp for the under-18 teams is scheduled to take place from July 9.
In addition to the exposure tournament, Arjuna has stressed the significance of providing educational support and scholarships to the young players. He has offered words of encouragement to them and has assured them of the numerous opportunities that await them.
The BFI President has also expressed the intent to lobby for a professional system that values merit and talent, with a strong message directed towards world and Asian bodies. He has called upon zonal and regional bodies to organize tournaments for both men and women, highlighting the need for fair team selection.
Separately, Arjuna has announced plans to enhance the professionalism of the national championships in the upcoming season. The federation aims to ensure equal treatment for all teams in terms of accommodation, food, and other facilities.
Looking towards the future, the BFI has several initiatives in progress aimed at strengthening Indian basketball and enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved with the sport.
This reassurance of support from the BFI represents a glimmer of hope for the under-18 women’s basketball team, assuring them that they have the backing of the federation in their pursuit of success.
In conclusion, the BFI’s unwavering commitment to bolstering the under-18 women’s basketball team is a promising sign for the future of Indian basketball. The federation’s dedication to providing support and advocating for fair opportunities underscores its commitment to nurturing the talent and potential of young athletes. With the promise of an exposure tournament in Russia and ongoing efforts to enhance the professionalism of national championships, the BFI is taking proactive steps to elevate Indian basketball to new heights.