Raksha Khadse Flags Off Season 4 of Pro Basketball League in Pune, Highlights Vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’
Pune, July 7 — Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse on Sunday inaugurated Season 4 of the Pro Basketball League at the Rajaram Bhiku Pathare Stadium in Kharadi, Pune. The event signified a significant leap for grassroots basketball in India and reflected the government’s push towards building a strong sporting ecosystem under the ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’ and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
The stadium witnessed electrifying energy as young players, coaches, families, and sports enthusiasts gathered to kick off a season filled with passion, purpose, and professionalism.
Over 5,000 Youth Participated in Statewide Trials
Organisers revealed that more than 5,000 young athletes from across Maharashtra took part in the initial trials. After a meticulous selection process, 1,000 elite players were shortlisted through a competitive auction system. Eventually, 310 players were selected to form 19 teams across four categories:
- Under-14 Boys
- Under-14 Girls
- Under-17 Boys
- Under-17 Girls
All matches will be held indoors at the Rajaram Bhiku Pathare Stadium, offering players a world-class playing environment with top-tier facilities to ensure safety, comfort, and optimal performance.
Raksha Khadse Unveils Trophy, Calls It “A Celebration of India’s Youth Power”
Union Minister Raksha Khadse delivered an impassioned speech during the trophy unveiling ceremony. She lauded the efforts of ABC Fitness Firm, the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), and all associated partners for elevating youth basketball to new heights.
“The ABC Pro Basketball League embodies the spirit of our nation’s youth and our collective aspiration for a sporting superpower,” she said. “It is truly inspiring to witness the passion and talent here today, which perfectly resonates with our government’s ‘Khelo India’ initiative.”
Khadse emphasized that nurturing talent at the grassroots is central to India's sporting future.
“Investing in grassroots sports like this is paramount,” she added. “Every point scored, every strategic pass is a step towards building a healthier, more competitive, and more unified India—propelling us closer to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed nation where every talent finds its rightful stage.”
League Format and Structure
Season 4 of the league has been carefully structured for competitive balance and inclusive representation:
- Under-14 Boys: 5 Teams
- Under-14 Girls: 5 Teams
- Under-17 Boys: 5 Teams
- Under-17 Girls: 4 Teams
Matches will follow standard indoor regulations, supported by certified officials, high-performance coaching, and fitness monitoring, aligning with BFI norms and national development goals.
Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 in Action
The league’s fourth season is a living embodiment of the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, a government-backed initiative to prioritize local talent development, sporting infrastructure, and equal opportunities in youth sports.
“This league is not just about competition—it’s about empowerment,” said a senior league official. “It gives rural and urban youth a platform to showcase their skills, dream bigger, and potentially represent India on global courts.”
What’s Next?
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect intense showdowns, emerging talent, and professional coaching guiding the next generation of Indian basketball stars. With support from local government bodies and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, this league stands to become a model for other states to replicate.
Conclusion
Season 4 of the Pro Basketball League is not just a sports tournament—it is a movement reflecting India’s youth awakening and the national mission to become a global sporting powerhouse. As players step onto the court, they do so with dreams in their eyes, backed by a system that’s finally giving them a level playing field.