Pics: Jeevan D'Costa

Media Release 

Udupi, Feb 9: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Basketball Federation of India (BFI) have joined forces in a ground-breaking partnership aimed at nurturing athletic talent and fostering a culture of excellence within Indian basketball.

This historic collaboration between MAHE and BFI signifies a profound convergence of vision, where both entities share an unwavering dedication to not just achieving greatness but also fostering athleticism and building more resilient, empowered communities through the power of sports. It marks a pivotal moment in the trajectory of Indian basketball, where the combined expertise and resources of MAHE and BFI are poised to drive significant advancements in the sport.

In steadfast alignment with their commitment to holistic education, MAHE and BFI acknowledge the transformative role that athletics play in shaping well-rounded individuals. This partnership goes beyond merely honing basketball skills, it underscores the fundamental importance of sports in instilling resilience, discipline, and unwavering character in students. By integrating sports into the educational fabric, MAHE and BFI aim to equip students with the necessary tools not only to excel on the court but also to thrive in all aspects of life.

Dr H S Ballal - pro chancellor and president, academy of general education, MAHE emphasizes, "With the Basketball Federation of India, we are not only forming a partnership, but also fostering a common vision of greatness, athleticism, and community as we set out on this revolutionary journey. Our shared goals are to develop athletic talent, provide confidence to aspiring athletes, and motivate the next wave of champions. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to holistic education, which views athletics as a vital component in developing resilient, disciplined, and well-rounded students.

Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, pro vice-chancellor (Health Sciences) said that MAHE Manipal gives a lot of importance to extra-curricular activities along with curricula. With this partnership, we can achieve a significant milestone in the advancement of basketball development in India. MAHE is always ready to encourage sports and with the help of the Basketball Federation of India, we will allow our students to become successful athletes on and off the court,"

Dr Giridhar Kini, registrar of MAHE Manipal Dr Arun Maiyya, dean Manipal College of Health Professions Dr Vinod Nayak, professor department of forensic medicine Dr Sandeep Shenoy, HOD DOC Sachin Kranth, deputy director PR and media and others were present on this occasion.

The event was graced by the presence of Aadhav Arjuna, president of Basketball Federation of India (BFI), and Shyam Adithya, chief financial officer of BFI. Aadhav Arjuna, a former professional player, leads BFI with a vision for holistic athlete development and infrastructure enhancement. Shyam Adithya, a seasoned chartered accountant, brings over 15 years of global experience in driving digital transformation Together, they aim to propel Indian basketball to international prominence.

Excited about the partnership, Aadhav Arjuna, president of Basketball Federation of India (BFI), commented, “In objective to promote basketball as more than just a sport, but as a means of personal development, community involvement, and national pride, our cooperation with MAHE represents a critical turning point. With this partnership, we hope to foster an environment of greatness by offering ambitious athletes’ access to top-notch facilities, knowledgeable coaching, and academic support to help them succeed on and off the court. Together, we're dedicated to developing the next wave of basketball talent and giving them the tools, they need to skilfully, passionately, and honourably represent India on the world stage.”

The alliance between Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Basketball Federation of India marks a significant milestone in the advancement of basketball development in India. Together, they are poised to revolutionize the sports landscape, empower aspiring athletes, and propel India towards athletic excellence.