Surface tension no more

The NNH – home to several past luminaries,will now get its own multi-layered,rubber-cushioned,and acrylic-finishing court at its Nagpada premises,the surface-transformation that will go a long way in preventing injuries to cagers who suffer heavily from playing on outdoor courts,with knee surgeries not uncommon.

“The sport demands aggressive body contact. But the kind of courts we play on are so rough that players are reluctant to go all-out for fear of getting injured. Knees tend to be delicate and the wear-and-tear on concrete is far more,and quicker too. This will not only cut down injuries – the chances of injuring are almost nil on this. It will also improve your playing standard,” said Noor Khan,of the NNH proposal.

The NBA would also help out with the boards,and rings and the balls. “It’ll be good to get all that infrastructure. And its completely funded by them,” he added.

A clinic for youngsters will also be held alongside.

Following a tie-up with Basketball Federation of India,a court dedication ceremony will take place on April 8 followed by two days of coaching and clinics led by NBA legend A C Green,a media release said today.

NNH is among the foremost nurseries of the hoop game in Mumbai and has produced fine basketballers like former India captain Abbas Moontasir and ex-international Esmero Figueredo. Green will also travel to Bangalore to lead clinics at Mary Immaculate School,the winner of the girls division of the first ever Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Hoop School tournament,held in December last year,according to the release.

The court refurbishment in Mumbai is being done in conjunction with BFI,Hewlett Packard (HP) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

This is the first of many courts the NBA will develop throughout India as part of its long-term commitment to increase basketball participation and promote healthy,active lifestyles through NBA Cares,the Leagues social responsibility programme,the release said. Social responsibility is the core to NBA’s mission and is a key pillar in the League’s development in India,said Heidi Ueberroth,NBA President,Global Marketing Partnerships and International Business Operations. “Basketball brings people together and we are pleased to partner with the BFI,HP and TCS to provide this community with the first NBA refurbished court,a symbol of our ongoing commitment to the development of the sport in India,” he added.

The NBA and BFI are to work closely to identify opportunities to implement and develop training programmes for children and coaches.

There is a great appetite for basketball across India and specifically in the Nagpada neighbourhood,said Harish Sharma,Secretary General of BFI.