Jharkhand Basketball Rising: Hoops Re-awakening in the State?
The predominantly tribal region’s fairytale run at the Sub-Junior Nationals from Level 2 to the finals has sparked talks of a revival of their once-famed hoops scene.
In what went down as one of the most inspiring underdog stories in recent memory, Jharkhand’s boys team achieved a historic milestone at the 2025 U13 Championship held in Dehradun from October 4-11, clinching the silver medal.
They finished as runners-up after a narrow 58-60 defeat to Uttar Pradesh in the final. However, it was still Jharkhand’s highest-ever finish at a national-level basketball tournament.
From Level 2 to Finals
Jharkhand’s campaign began quietly in the Level 2 group stage, where expectations were modest. To reach the finals, they played extra games compared to higher-seeded Level 1 teams, a tougher route that tested their stamina and spirit.
Yet, the team rose to the challenge, toppling basketball bigwigs like Rajasthan (74-66) and thrashing Punjab (100-31) to secure promotion to Level 1.
Harbhajan Singh (Olympian), President, Jharkhand Basketball Association, said:
“Our players displayed remarkable skill, determination, and teamwork, sending a strong message that Jharkhand Basketball is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising teams in the country and a strong contender for future championships. We are taking Jharkhand Basketball to new heights and sending a clear signal across the Indian basketball fraternity – we have arrived.”
A Final To Remember
When Jharkhand stepped onto the court for the final against Uttar Pradesh, few expected them to dominate long stretches of the game. But they did. Their high-tempo play and relentless energy had them leading for three out of the four quarters, shocking even the most seasoned spectators.
In the dying moments, however, experience and composure helped Uttar Pradesh claw back to a narrow win.
Among the standout performers, Ritesh Murmu was a revelation. His calm confidence and shooting precision earned him the “Best 3-Point Shooter” award. He also caught the attention of the wider basketball community with his unique playing style, particularly his confident use of the Pinoy step.
Echoes of the TISCO Era
Before Jharkhand separated from Bihar on November 15, 2000, the unified state was a major hoops hub. During the 1980s and 1990s, the basketball team of the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), based in Jamshedpur, was one of India’s most formidable corporate sides. The team not only dominated national competitions but also produced skilled players such as Cyril Miranda and Rajesh Srivastava, who went on to represent India.
With Jamshedpur now the heart of Jharkhand, echoes of that legacy are being heard again, this time through a new generation of young ballers.
Under the unified Bihar banner, the state finished as runners-up and third in the Senior National Basketball Championships on separate occasions and even won the basketball title at the National Games. That golden era established a strong basketball culture in the region, one that many hope is being revived today among Jharkhand’s youth.
Flash in the Pan?
Jharkhand’s achievements in the tournament weren’t just a surprise; it was a realisation of raw, untapped athleticism buried deep within the state’s tribal heartlands. The territory already boasts a rich sporting DNA, from hockey Olympians to the discipline of M.S. Dhoni, that few parts of India can match.
If Jharkhand can model its rise on fellow tribal state Chhattisgarh’s women’s basketball system, it could replicate long-term success across both boys’ and girls’ teams, turning one breakthrough into a sustained pipeline of national talent.
With the launch of the first Jharkhand Basketball League this year, the state now has a platform to nurture its rising talent, a promising sign. Yet, one medal alone doesn’t signal a revolution. Even traditional heavyweights like Tamil Nadu and Kerala faced relegation this year, showing how quickly fortunes can shift.
Whether this Dehradun fairytale becomes a turning point or just a fleeting flash will depend on what follows in coaching halls, local leagues, and the grassroots courts.
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