Focus on providing world-class infrastructure and international coaching for athlete development – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

75th State Basketball Championship inaugurated in Nagpur

Nagpur, Oct 2025 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state government has adopted a comprehensive sports policy aimed at nurturing international-level athletes from Maharashtra. To help players refine their skills, the government is providing expert international coaches, team managers, and advanced infrastructure across the state. “Under the Mission Olympic initiative, the Sports Department has been preparing athletes systematically. Consistent efforts over the past few years have led to remarkable performances by our players at both national and international levels,” Fadnavis said.

He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 75th State Basketball Championship organized by the Dharampeth Sports Board in Nagpur. The event was attended by Sandeep Joshi, President of the Maharashtra State Basketball Association and Member of the Legislative Council; MLA Vikas Thakre; Kulvinder Gill, Secretary of the Basketball Federation of India; Govind Muthukumar, Secretary of the State Basketball Association; and other dignitaries.

Fadnavis noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Khelo India’ initiative has provided a powerful platform for players to showcase their talents at the national level. “Maharashtra has made consistent strides in sports in recent years, and our athletes have validated those efforts by excelling in Khelo India competitions. Over the past three years, Maharashtra has remained among the leading states in various Khelo India events,” he said.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure, the Chief Minister stated that several state-of-the-art sports facilities have been established across Nagpur, including the upcoming international-standard sports complex at Mankapur. “We are organizing major tournaments and ensuring players get all the essential facilities they need to excel,” he added.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by basketball players due to organizational politics, Fadnavis praised MLC Sandeep Joshi for taking over as president of the Maharashtra Basketball Association to restore focus on the sport. “By keeping politics aside and prioritizing players’ welfare, Joshi will strengthen basketball in the state,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship over rivalry, Fadnavis said, “It is only through true sportsmanship that an athlete can shape not just their career, but also their character and life.”

During the event, the Chief Minister presented cash prizes to players who achieved success at national-level Under-18 and Under-13 tournaments, where Maharashtra teams secured third place and runner-up positions.

In his welcome address, Sandeep Joshi noted that the championship is being held in Maharashtra for the first time in eight years. He announced the decision to introduce cash rewards for winning players to further motivate young athletes. MLA Vikas Thakre and Kulvinder Gill also addressed the gathering, expressing optimism about the growing basketball culture in the state.