She is one of five sisters from the Singh family who have been graced with a beautiful face as well as the hoop skills to display on the basketball court. Prashanti Singh, who has had the honour of leading India on many occasions, is one of the players placed in the ‘A’ grade category by the BFI.
Currently busy practising at the ongoing India camp in the city, Boskey (as she is popularly known) talks to Akshi Aggarwal of Indian Sports News about her views on the growth of basketball in India and the commercial film she has signed. Excerpts:
ISN: Why did you choose this sport, knowing that basketball was not the choice of the masses?
Prashanti: I belong to Varanasi, where most children play outdoor games for fun, and I was one of them. I saw my sisters playing basketball at school and was motivated by them. Before that, like all children, I loved playing hide and seek.
ISN: Tell us about your early days as a beginner.
Prashanti: My first basketball tournament was an Under-14 event. I didn’t get much of a chance to play in that game, but I learned a lot. I was the youngest in the team and scored two baskets, which made me happy. I’m fortunate to have Amarjeet Singh as my coach. He treated me to sweets for those two baskets. He is my first coach and the person behind moulding many basketball talents in India.
ISN: What was the breakthrough point of your career?
Prashanti: Moving from Varanasi to Delhi was a milestone in my career. Varanasi is the best place to learn the basics, but Delhi is where I gained advanced knowledge and training in the game after joining the MTNL team. They sponsored me as well. From 2002 to 2011, I grew as a professional player. This phase was important as I saw different people, places and situations. I had a rough phase with injuries and a great time winning medals. One of the memorable moments was winning a medal in Vietnam for India under my captaincy.
ISN: How was the experience of your first international break?
Prashanti: I played my first international tournament when we played Chinese Taipei in 2002. That was my first international exposure. I never thought I would get a chance to play in the senior team so early, and this reserved my place in the senior team for the Asian Basketball Championship in Japan in 2003.
ISN: What are your views on the introduction of foreign coaches to the training camp?
Prashanti: It is the need of the hour. Basketball is played officially in 273 countries, which is the second highest in the world. In the West, the game is already at a much higher level. To catch up, we need better coaching and advanced training. The coaches now working with us have good knowledge of the game and can take us to the next level.
ISN: Today there is a pool of talented youngsters on the Indian basketball circuit. Do you think the young guns will take over from the senior players in time?
Prashanti: Youth participation is always beneficial. It gives the team a boost. Any team that blends vigour and experience will perform better. I am very confident about the young talent in the team, and they are definitely going to take the game to the next level in the next few years.
ISN: You have a fairly good fan following. How do you manage the fame?
Prashanti: I try my level best to live up to the expectations of my fans and well-wishers. My job is to give 100 per cent to the game. I’m really thankful to the people who support me in good and bad times.
ISN: What is the present status of the commercial film on basketball you were involved with?
Prashanti: Right now I’m preparing for some tournaments. But you’ll get to see me on the big screen very soon.
ISN: What’s next?
Prashanti: These days we are training with Pete Gaudet and Zak Penwell, and I’m hoping to get good results, as I am working hard.
ISN: Your message for all basketball lovers.
Prashanti: Keep playing basketball and enjoy it to the fullest. That is the best we can all do from our end. Cagers rock!
