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Saturday, 8 August 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Satnam Singh Bhamara
Reuters: National Basketball Association (NBA) player Satnam Singh Bhamara, the first Indian to be drafted in the American basketball league, returned home to northern Punjab state on Friday (7 August).
Bhamara, standing tall at 7-feet-2-inches, made history when he was selected by Dallas Mavericks in June. He was selected as the 52nd pick in the second round. The 19-year-old player hails from a remote village Ballo Ke near Ludhiana city in Punjab. After greeting his family, Bhamara met his coaches and young players from his former training academy in Ludhiana. Eager fans gathered around the tall player seeking autographs, which he happily signed.
“I am very happy to be here, to meet my parents, family, coaches, students and small children. I am very happy to see there is a craze for basketball here too. I hope they (students at the academy) continue this way so that they can succeed,” Bhamara said. Elated at his son’s return, Bhamara’s father said he was proud of his achievements.
“I am very happy. Satnam has made us proud by reaching the NBA with his hard work. We are very happy,” said Balbir Singh Bhamara.
As per reports, Bhamara is likely to be in the country for 10 days before he leaves for the US. In April this year, the Canadian-born Sim Bhullar became the first player of Indian origin to play in the NBA, when he took to court for the Sacramento Kings.
