16-year-old lad’s journey from Mumbai to Mongolia

At just 16, Shourya’s journey, from honing his skills on the basketball courts of Mumbai to earning a place on the national team, highlights not only his talent and perseverance but also the role of schools in nurturing future sporting champions.

Starting early

Shourya first discovered the game in Class III at his school, quickly emerging as a standout player in interschool tournaments across Mumbai and helping his school secure multiple titles. What began as a childhood interest soon grew into a determined pursuit of excellence. In 2022, Shourya announced himself on a bigger stage at the Maharashtra Sub-Junior State Championship, where his team, North Mumbai District, struck Gold.

Moving fast

His exceptional performance earned him a place in the Maharashtra squad for the Sub-Junior Nationals in Kangra where the team finished 4th.

Since then, Shourya has steadily risen through the ranks, representing Maharashtra in the U16 category at both ICSE and Open Championships. His talent shone again at the Youth Nationals Basketball Championship in Puducherry (April 2025), where he was recognised among the top five performers of the tournament.

A promising star

Now in Class XI at Nehru World School, Shourya balances academics with his relentless commitment to basketball. His hard work has culminated in selection to represent India at the U16 FIBA Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

From school playgrounds to the international arena, Shourya’s journey reflects how raw talent, dedication, and the right guidance can turn a young dreamer into a national athlete proudly wearing India’s colours.