Indian Basketball’s Chhaava: The Legendary Sambhaji Kadam
As the much-awaited Bollywood film Chhaava brings renewed attention to the valiant Maratha ruler’s legacy, it is only fitting that we celebrate Indian basketball’s very own Chhaava—Sambhaji Kadam.
As the much-awaited Bollywood film Chhaava brings renewed attention to the valiant Maratha ruler’s legacy, it is only fitting that we celebrate Indian basketball’s very own Chhaava—Sambhaji Kadam.
From Wrestling Mats to Basketball Courts
Born in Miraj, Maharashtra, Kadam was introduced to sports through wrestling, following in the footsteps of his father, a dedicated wrestler. By the age of 12 or 13, he had already secured a national championship title at the under-13 level. However, despite his early success in wrestling, basketball’s speed, strategy, and skill captivated him.
Even as his father urged him to pursue wrestling, Kadam was drawn to basketball’s dynamic nature. With just one basketball court in his town, his access to the game was limited, but that didn’t stop him. His decision to defy expectations and follow his passion was the first sign of a warrior’s mindset—a relentless determination to carve his own path.
Serving the Nation: A True Warrior’s Journey
Kadam’s commitment to his country was not just limited to basketball. After completing his 12th grade, he applied through the sports quota for the Indian Army and began playing for the Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) in Pune.
This move not only honed his skills but also instilled in him the values of discipline, resilience, and national service. Playing for the Services team, he experienced rigorous training that mirrored the battlefield mentality—one where strategy, endurance, and teamwork were key to success.
This dual role as a soldier and an athlete is a powerful parallel to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who was not only a ruler but also a warrior, defending his land with selfless service and fearless leadership. Like the legendary king, Kadam too dedicated his life to the nation—both in uniform and on the basketball court.
A Fearless Leader on the Court
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Kadam faced challenges in a sport where height is often seen as a significant advantage. However, his stature never deterred him. As he aptly put it, "Basketball is played position wise. I'm a point guard, and we have traditionally been the shortest players on the team." His height became inconsequential in the face of his skill, vision, and determination.
Kadam’s professional basketball journey truly took flight in 1998, when he played his first national championship in Jaipur. Just three years later, in 2001, he made his international debut representing India at the South Asian Games in Goa, facing Bangladesh.
As a point guard, he was the floor general, orchestrating plays, setting the tempo, and fearlessly taking on bigger, stronger opponents. His court vision, quick decision-making, and ability to control the game made him an invaluable asset to the Indian team.
He played in multiple FIBA Asia Championships, becoming a vital cog in the national team’s structure. Kadam’s leadership was evident not only in his gameplay but also in the way he inspired his teammates to believe in themselves—a quality that would later define his transition into coaching.
Battling Injuries Like a True Chhaava
No warrior’s journey is complete without setbacks, and Kadam’s career was no exception. One of his toughest battles came in the form of a groin displacement and hamstring tear—a career-threatening injury. Doctors advised him to rest for six months, but Kadam’s passion for the game overruled medical caution. He continued to play through the injury, stating, "I was still playing even through injury, despite being advised 6 months bed rest."
Reflecting on this later, Kadam admitted that listening to his body was a lesson he learned the hard way. But in that moment, his unbreakable willpower and relentless drive defined him—just as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj never backed down from a battle, Kadam refused to surrender to adversity.
The Grassroots Warrior: Training India’s Future Stars
Even before transitioning into a full-time coaching role, Kadam was already shaping the future of Indian basketball. He conducted coaching camps for juniors in Nashik, Nagpur, and other places in Maharashtra, ensuring that young players—especially those from smaller towns—had access to quality training.
Through these grassroots initiatives, Kadam has played a crucial role in nurturing raw talent into future stars. This dedication to developing Indian basketball from the ground up mirrors the visionary leadership of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who strengthened his forces and trained his warriors to defend their land.
From Player to Coach: Shaping the Future
After retiring from active play, Kadam transitioned into coaching—becoming the Assistant Coach of the Indian men’s national basketball team. In this role, he continues to serve the nation, guiding the next generation of Indian basketball players.
Much like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj led his warriors into battle, Kadam now leads his players, instilling in them the same fighting spirit, self-belief, and mental toughness that defined his own playing days.
His leadership extends beyond tactical strategies—he is a mentor, a motivator, and an example of what it means to give everything for the game and the country.
The Voice of Inspiration
Kadam’s influence isn’t limited to just coaching. He has taken on another crucial role—that of a mentor and motivational speaker. He frequently delivers motivational speeches, reminding young athletes that the biggest battles are often fought in the mind.
His message is clear:
"Take each day as it comes, and just give your 100% each time you step on the court."
These aren’t just words—they are the guiding principles that he lived by as a player and now instills in the next generation as a coach.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Sambhaji Kadam’s journey—from a small-town wrestler to an Indian basketball legend and national coach—is a story of courage, perseverance, and service to the nation.
As Chhaava revives the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, it also reminds us of modern warriors like Kadam, who fight for their country in their own way—on the court, in the coaching room, and in the hearts of young athletes he inspires.
Sambhaji Kadam is, and will always be, Indian basketball’s Chhaava.
***
If you've come this far...
Appeal to readers - ₹₹ Support Ekalavyas: Ekalavyas is India's first and only basketball media company. We are not foreign-funded, nor investor backed. Your support and encouragement have got us this far. We now need your financial assistance to ensure we can keep providing you timely, accurate and important information. Please contribute via https://razorpay.me/@ekalavyas 🙏🏾. We are accepting contributions as low as Rs. 1/- (including a small processing fee charged by the payment gateway provider). Thank you for playing a part in keeping media independent and objective!
 |
|
Great basketballer… All the best..
True story of his life. I have seen his hard work while he was practising on open court in midsun on only court of Bhanu Talim near his home. His dedications has paid him in his life