Exposure Of India Basketball Players Way More Than A Decade Ago: Raspreet Sidhu

Raspreet Sidhu has been one of the most consistent performers in Indian basketball in recent times. She represented India in three Asian Games and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She has also led the national team. Here is an interaction with Raspreet on Indian basketball.

Q1. You have led the Indian team and Delhi team. How have the opportunities improved in the last decade for female basketball players?

A1. There has been a lot of change compared to how things were in basketball at the state and national levels in the previous decade. The exposure to athletes is way more when compared to a decade ago. Around 15-20 of India's bowlers are studying and playing for NCAA divisions 1, 2 and 3 in the US. Also, the opportunities at the very top level or the professional level have gone up, as can be seen with the Indian Railways encouraging professionalism in sports in a big way by associating with basketball players and those from other sports. There are also a greater number of openings for female bowlers to become a part of professional teams as compared to a decade ago. These are the two major changes and also the association with NCAA is huge because the kids train and study there, and a few come back to play for the nation. So, with them coming back and representing India and contributing those skill sets to the national team, we see improvement already.

Q2. Starting from Geethu Ann Jose, there were several players who generated interest in foreign leagues. Who are the current stars, who you think can make a mark in WNBA development leagues or other top leagues?

A2. I have played with Geethu Ann Jose , for several years and we did win playing together. She was not generated in foreign league; I would like to just get the