Page 11 - The Indian EYE 071026

The Indian Eye
Op-Ed 11
JULY 10, 2026

draws inspiration from NBA leg-
end Kobe Bryant, whose dedication
and discipline continue to influence
players around the world. Bryant’s
famous “Mamba Mentality,” a
philosophy centered on relentless
self-improvement and resilience, re-
mains a source of motivation for her.

Training from an NBA Hall of
Famer

he opportunity to learn extend-
ed beyond drills and scrim-
Tmages. Students also heard
from NBA Hall of Famer Vlade Di-
vac , whose career with the Los An-
geles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and
Sacramento Kings helped make him
one of basketball’s most recognizable
international players.
Speaking to participants, Divac
emphasized that success is not de-
termined by where someone begins.
Drawing on his journey, he encour-
aged students to focus on hard work,
discipline, and education as they
pursue their goals. “It doesn’t matter
where you’re born,” he said. “You
can achieve your dreams anyway, but
you have to do the right things.” Students got a chance to interact with NBA Hall of Famer Vlade Divac (left) during the Freedom 250 Slam Dunk Experience at the American
Divac also stressed the impor-
tance of balancing athletic and ac- Center New Delhi. (Photograph by Rakesh Malhotra)
ademic development, noting that For Rudrakshi, the experience documenting the country’s growing he says. “It’s just uniting people in
dedication both on and off the court highlighted common ground be- basketball culture. a very unique way, and that’s what’s
can create opportunities for young tween young people in India and the “Sports, arts, and music: these are amazing about it.”
players. “If you love the game, if you
work hard, if you do well in school, United States. “We get to know what some things that surpass all boundar- Building a global future for
they think, how they are, the men-
ies,” he says.
basketball definitely gives you a path basketball
Pavdighada feels basketball cre-
to become an NBA player,” he said. tality for the sport, and our common ates a sense of unity in a way few oth- Divac sees significant potential
ground,” she says.
For students aspiring to com-
Basketball trainer and content
pete internationally, the message was creator Devansh Pavdighada has er platforms can. The relationships for basketball in India. “India is a
he built through the sport continue
great big country, and we would love
clear: talent matters, but commit-
ment and preparation matter just as experienced those connections first- to shape his life and career. to help them develop, especially kids,
for basketball,” he says.
hand. After studying and training in
“Basketball helped me so much
much. Divac reminded participants the United States, he now works in in making friends, meeting new peo- While acknowledging cricket’s
that opportunities can emerge from India to develop young talent while ple, and even building confidence,” enduring popularity, Divac believes
unexpected places for those willing
to invest in their development. “If basketball can continue to grow
alongside it. The enthusiasm and tal-
you do love the game, if you work on ent displayed by students throughout
your game, if you develop your game, the event reinforced that belief.
down the road, you never know, you For Divac, India’s future in bas-
can end up in the NBA,” he said.
ketball is part of a larger story about
U.S.-India sports diplomacy in the sport’s ability to connect people
action across borders. Over the course of
his career, basketball has connect-
eyond basketball skills, the ed him to people and communities
event created opportunities around the world, demonstrating the
Bfor meaningful conversations. game’s global reach.
Several students said that interact- The Freedom 250 Slam Dunk
ing with U.S. coaches, players, and Experience reflected that spirit. By
representatives gave them a deeper bringing together students, coach-
understanding of the people and per- es, and NBA representatives, the
spectives behind the sport. event showcased how sport can in-
Theo, a student participant, said spire young people, create new oppor-
the event stood out because of how More than 150 students from schools and basketball academies across Delhi gathered to meet tunities, and strengthen connections
interactive it felt. “They made sure representatives from the NBA, the premier professional basketball league in the United States between India and the United States.
no one felt left out,” she says. “It was and home to many of the sport’s biggest stars. (Photograph by Rakesh Malhotra) As Divac put it,
very holistic.” “SPORTS UNITE PEOPLE.”

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