Indian Basketball Team Selections Policy Explained!

In an exclusive interview with Ekalavyas, Shakti Sinh Gohil, Chairman of the Indian National Basketball Team Selection Committee, opened up for the first time on this crucial topic.

Bhavnagar, Gujarat: In an exclusive interview with Ekalavyas in July 2024, Mr Shakti Sinh Gohil, Chairman of the Indian National Basketball Team Selection Committee, opened up for the first time about the inner workings of team selection, scouting methods, and the future of Indian basketball.

Nationals’ Participation Not Mandatory

Breaking away from traditional selection norms, Gohil emphasized that participation in nationals is no longer the sole criterion for making the Indian team. Talented players from state tournaments, scouting programs, and independent leagues are now being identified and invited to the national camp.

North-eastern Players

Gohil also highlighted BFI’s efforts to tap into talent from non-traditional basketball regions like the Northeast, where leagues such as the Mizoram Super League have produced skilled, fast-paced players. While historically underrepresented, structured scouting initiatives are now helping integrate them into the national setup.

Identifying Talent from ‘Lower Level’ Teams

While there’s still huge scope for improvement, Gohil revealed that advanced technology and analytics are starting to play a role in scouting. Player statistics—rebounds, shooting efficiency, and overall impact—are now slowly being studied to ensure that hidden gems from lesser-known Level 2 teams or outdoor courts are no longer overlooked.

Indian-origin Athletes

Another major talking point was the debate around Indian-origin players with foreign passports. While their inclusion could strengthen the team, current government regulations only allow Indian passport holders to represent the national team. But Mr Gohil expressed a willingness to discuss the issue and explore a policy change in the future.

Watch the full interview only on the Ekalavyas YouTube Channel:

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