Aadhav Arjuna, the president of the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association (TNBA), achieved a resounding triumph in the elections held at Nehru Stadium, securing the esteemed position of president of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI). His remarkable victory, with an impressive 38 out of 39 votes, saw him defeat the incumbent president, K Govindaraj. This election, conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court, marks a historic moment, as few leaders have been appointed without undergoing an election process in the past three decades. Aadhav’s leadership has ushered in transformative reforms that have significantly elevated the performance of Tamil Nadu’s basketball teams, positioning them as formidable contenders on the national stage.
New BFI Leadership:
- President: Aadhav Arjuna
- Vice presidents: Ajay Ssud, Donald Steven Wahlang, Dr. Lalrinawma Hnamte, Manohara Kumar, Norman Isaac, Fr. Ralin De Souza, Seema Sharma
- Secretary General: Kulvinder Singh Gill
- Treasurer: T Chengalraya Naidu
- Joint secretaries: G Chakravarthi, Munish Sharma, Pradeep Kumar Auddi, Prakash Sandou, Surya Singh
- Members: RS Bedi, C Sasidharan, Sentiningsang Longkumer, T Brajbidhu Singh
The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) serves as the governing body of basketball in India. Established in 1950, the BFI is affiliated with FIBA Asia and the Indian Olympic Association. The rich history of basketball in India dates back to the early 1900s, when the game was introduced by Christian missionaries and YMCAs. In 1934, the first national basketball championships were held, and India became a member of FIBA in 1936.
The BFI plays a vital role in the development and promotion of basketball in India. It organizes national and international tournaments, provides training and support to players and coaches, and has contributed to the growth of the Indian basketball league, the Universal Basketball Alliance (UBA). While the BFI has faced challenges, such as funding constraints and a shortage of qualified coaches, it remains committed to the advancement of basketball in India and has made notable progress in recent years.
Looking ahead, the BFI aims to enhance the infrastructure for basketball, expand the player and coaching base, and promote the sport at the grassroots level. Additionally, the federation is actively working towards improving India’s international ranking and endeavors to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics. With the newly elected leadership, including President Aadhav Arjuna, the BFI is poised to drive the growth and success of basketball in India to new heights.