Indian Basketball: Bright Youngsters Key to Climbing FIBA Rankings, Says National Chief Coach Veselin Matic

India’s basketball rankings may have slipped in the last decade, but National chief coach Veselin Matic remains optimistic about the country’s future in the sport. Despite the current ranking of 82 for the men and 79 for the women, Matic believes that India has talented youngsters who can help the country climb up the rankings again.

Matic pointed out that India lags behind other countries in terms of investment in basketball. He highlighted the example of the Philippines, where basketball is considered a religion and significant resources are allocated to the sport. In contrast, India has not given basketball the same level of support and infrastructure.

The lack of a professional league in India has also hindered the development of the sport. Matic suggested that the Indian pro league should include foreign players to raise the level of competition and attract more attention to the sport.

Furthermore, Matic emphasized the importance of encouraging young players and providing them with opportunities for exposure. He noted that the current structure of college basketball in India is not well-organized and called for more inclusion of young players in senior competitions.

With the Basketball Federation of India now under the leadership of a former player who understands the challenges facing the sport, Matic believes that it is time for the top officials to take action and propel Indian basketball forward. By implementing new regulations and investing in the development of young talent, India can work towards improving its world rankings and making a mark on the international basketball scene.