CHANDIGARH/ MOHALI : 16-year-old Vedansh Ranot of Learning Paths School Mohali has taken a giant leading stride towards realizing his sporting dream of representing India in Basketball by securing a place in US-run NBA India Basketball Academy. News of his selection amongst 11 chosen from over 5000 vying for space at the Academy is culmination of his hardwork and dedication he has exhibited at this tender age, avers his school Director , Robin Aggarwal adding that his success would add further impetus to our efforts in providing world class infrastructure to budding athletes.
All 11 players from ACG – NBA Jump 2022 across the country will receive full scholarships to attend NBA Academy India, an elite training centre for the top prospects from across the country No substantial achievement is ever easy but there are some added advantages like sporting culture you inculcate from home. With both parents having played Basketball at serious levels, there was a surfeit of encouragement and exposure. He was always interested in sports and he started playing the game from grade 3 only. The environment at home obviously played a constructive part, says his father Suresh Kumar who has represented India internationally. Vedansh's mother is also a National Level Basketball player and is first coach and is currently working as a sports coordinator.
“ I took formal coaching from my mother till 9th grade and then started training under the supervision of my coach Amarjit Singh. Clearing the trials for a place at the Academy was not going to be easy, says Vedansh with a glint in his eyes. There was stiff competition and I knew this had to be my best effort to succeed in reaching this platform, added Vedansh.
The trials were conducted in 5 zones spread across Kolkata, Bombay, Ludhiana, Chennai and Delhi. Vedansh has participated in several State Level Tournaments and has brought glory to his city Mohali. Going ahead, he is slated to join training at Noida Jaypee Sports Complex. His passion and age should stand him in good stead with the hope that his talent be a reason of joy for the sport and nation!