Teja Singh Dhaliwal’s efforts put Punjab on national basketball map

Teja Singh Dhaliwal is a prominent figure in the Indian sports arena, particularly in basketball. As the general secretary of the Punjab Basketball Association (PBA), Dhaliwal has played a crucial role in promoting the sport in the region.

Dhaliwal was elected the general secretary on June 2, 1991, and since then has been instrumental in organising basketball tournaments and coaching programmes for young players in the state.

Under his stewardship, and PBA, Ludhiana, has hosted national basketball championships (junior and senior categories) over 20 times, setting a remarkable record. This achievement underscores the city’s strong basketball infrastructure and its ability to organise large-scale events, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for basketball in India. The city also hosted first-ever 3x3 format basketball tournaments in 2020, which included U-17, U-19 and senior categories.

Dhaliwal’s contributions have been instrumental in fostering a thriving basketball ecosystem in the region. The national championships have inspired a number of young boys and girls to take up the sport. The establishment of Ludhiana Basketball Academy (LBA) here at Guru Nanak Stadium by the PBA in 2003 is another feather in Dhaliwal’s cap. This facility has been instrumental in nurturing young talent and producing players who have represented India at the national and international levels.

The LBA, under the guidance of Dhaliwal, provides safe and comfortable living environment for athletes, ensuring they can pursue their academics without any financial burden, and offers nutritious food along with top-notch training and guidance. The academy’s contribution is a testament to Dhaliwal’s vision and commitment to promoting the game in the region.

He also played an important role in establishing a basketball stadium here at Guru Nanak Stadium in 1982, wherein the 32nd edition of the senior national basketball championship was held. Another basketball stadium, with two courts, was completed in August this year and matches during the 75th junior national championship were conducted there. The infrastructure provides a world-class facility for athletes to train and compete.

Many basketball players from Punjab, particularly trainees of the LBA, leveraging their sporting skills have been recruited into government services, highlighting the potential for basketball players to build a career beyond sports, while also contributing to the development of the sport in the region.

Dhaliwal’s contributions to basketball extend beyond Punjab, as he also served as the senior vice president of the BFI (Basketball Federation of India) and his leadership and expertise have had a significant impact on the development of the game in India, both at the national and international levels.

Dhaliwal’s efforts to develop infrastructure and support young athletes have demonstrated his vision for the future of sports in the country and his passion for fair play has earned him immense respect and admiration from athletes, coaches and sports administrators.