Mumbai - The Mahindra NBA Challenge, tipped-off on Saturday, April 17th, with the completion of league registration followed by clinics for players and coaches who will be part of the seven week recreational league being held at the St Dominic Savio Court, Andheri (East) and Mastan YMCA.
Basketball players from communities all across Mumbai received expert tips from NBA and WNBA legends, AC Green and Teresa Edwards - fine-tuning their skills before league games begin on Saturday, April 24th.
The event was officially launched by Mr. Akash Jain, Director, International Development, NBA, Mr. Ruzbeh Irani, EVP Corporate Strategy, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Mr. Harish Sharma, Secretary General, BFI.
Mr. Ruzbeh Irani, EVP Corporate Strategy, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said: "we are overwhelmed by the tremendous response received by the Mahindra NBA Challenge. A staggering 1000+ entries in Mumbai alone strengthens our belief that Basketball has the potential to be the number two sport in India. Its excitement and energy, its inclusive ethos and the positive values that Mahindra, the NBA and the BFI share make it perfectly suited to making a lasting, positive impact on our youth and our communities."
The launch of the Mahindra NBA Challenge drew more than 1,000 young basketball fans to Andheri and Nagpada. Each participant received a Mahindra NBA Challenge jersey before participating in drills conducted by Green, Edwards and other specialist coaches from the NBA. Eventually, the participants will be divided into approximately 100 teams that will compete in the league.
The Mahindra NBA Challenge is a seven week community-based recreational basketball league designed to give Mumbaikars an outlet to enjoy the game and improve their skills. The league is split into five divisions, including 13 year old boys division, girls and boys 14 to 17, and adult males and females 18 and over.
The Mahindra NBA Challenge also includes exciting games and contests in each division, such as an All Star game to be played at the end of the league season, and three point and slam dunk contests allowing participants to show-off their skills. At the conclusion of the season, the most valuable players (MVPs) and the players that demonstrate the greatest sportsmanship in each division will be honoured with awards. The league will culminate in championship games played in each division June 4-6th.
