Is NBA Coming To India?

NBA INDIA GAMES 2019 to be held between INDIANA PACERS VS SACRAMENTO KINGS on 4th October 2019 at Mumbai India, NSCI dome. Sacramento kings was defeated by Indiana Pacers 132-131 in the first ever NBA match played in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted about the event “Basketball is very popular among our youth. The @NBA matches set the court for greater linkages in sports. I hope more youth go after basketball and also commit to the Fit India Movement. “
NBA’s status at the pinnacle of professional sport, and global leadership when it comes to North American franchise leagues, owes to performances by its star and how carefully teams plan to ensure they produce their best at every time. For basketball, the court quality is so vital, the game is played on wooden floor, Mumbai’s NSCI indoor stadium, which staged the games, has wooden flooring on which a synthetically mat-like court is rolled and pasted. The NBA brought in the hardwood maple court in pieces, and it took them two full days to set up the court at NSCI. It is Kughter version of the court and weighs approximately 3000Lbs (1,360Kg).
The NBA, it seems brought a spare set for everything to avoid any untoward eventually. Matches are part of a pre-session match. First time a North American sports league played in India. The two squads comprised 38 players, support staff, dance troops and administrative personnel, while King’s owner Vivek Ranadive with his family and the pacer’s owner Herb Simon were present. The chairperson of Reliance Foundation Nita Ambani presented the ceremonial "Match Ball" to NBA officials ahead of the game. Handing over the match ball was a gesture of welcoming the sports to the country. National Anthem was sung by Youtuber Bhuvan Bam at NSCI.
While ardent fans paid big sums to pack into the venue, providing the glimpse of NBA’s popularity in India .The league looks to establish itself as a serious player in the burgeoning Indian sports business market as well. It donated a court to a Municipal School in Mumbai is a part of NBA’s legacy programme that will support five such Municipal schools in the city with technology equipment, trained teachers etc.
The Kings arrived early to soak in a bit of India as well .The squad visited the Taj Mahal and went sightseeing in Mumbai as well. Pacers had a shorter trip, but its new acquisition, guard Malcolm Brogdon was pleased. “I have tried some Indian food at the buffet at the hotel and it has been great,” Malcoln said.

By: Abhishek Singh
Content: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nba-match-in-mumbai-a-historic-day-for-india-us-relations-says-prime-minister-narendra-modi-2112450